n and lima
beans (Yankee), Col. Gorgas's importation, which have not come up.

A cow and calf now sells for $2500. My friend, Dr. Powell, has just
sold one for a great price, he would not tell me what. But I told him
that the greed for gain was the worst feature in our people, and made me
sometimes tremble for the cause. I fear a just retribution may entail
ruin on the farmers, who seem to think more of their cattle than of
their sons in the field.

MAY 9TH.--Bright and sultry.

A dispatch from Gen. Lee says the enemy is moving down toward
Fredericksburg, and yesterday the advance of our army encountered his
right wing at Spottsylvania Court House, and repulsed it "with great
slaughter." Strong language for Lee.

A dispatch received this morning said the enemy was advancing on the
railroad. Subsequently cannon could be heard in the direction of
Drewry's Bluff.

The tocsin has been sounding all day, for the militia, which come
slowly, after being summoned and dismissed so often. I fear, when they
are sent over the river, if all the men at the defenses on the north
side are sent over also, that a cavalry raid from the north may dash
into the city and burn the bridges on, the James; then our army would be
in a "fix." I have expressed this apprehension to the Secretary, and
asked him to arm the old men, for the defense of the bridges, public
buildings, etc. He awaits _events_. Mr. Hunter and other public
characters are looking very grave.

The following dispatch was received to-day from Weldon, via Raleigh and
Greensborough, N. C:

"May 8th.

"The enemy destroyed the wire from Stony Creek to within three miles
of Belfield, a distance of about fifteen miles. Our men and
employees are repairing it, and we hope to have communication
reopened to-morrow. W. S. HARRIS."

Col. Preston, Superintendent of Bureau of Conscription, has written
another letter to the Secretary, urging the promotion of Captain C. B.
Duffield, who threatens to leave him for a position with Gen. Kumper, at
Lynchburg, where he can live cheaper. He says he has urged the
President, to no avail.

The Secretary has roused himself. Since 3 P.M. he has issued a call "TO
ARMS!" All men capable of bearing arms are requested to report to Gen.
Kemper, Franklin Street, to be armed and organized "temporarily" for
the defense of the city. Gen. Ransom had previously issued a placard,
calling on office