t. Some of the
members of Congress are anxious to get _away_, and the _Examiner_ twits
them for their cowardice. They will stay, probably.

MAY 14TH.--Warm, with alternate sunshine and showers.

With the dawn recommenced the heavy boom of cannon down the river. It
was rumored this morning that our right wing at Drewry's Bluff had been
flanked, but no official information has been received of the progress
of the fight. I saw a long line of ambulances going in that direction.

To-day it is understood that the battle of Petersburg will be fought by
Beauregard, if he be not withheld from attacking the enemy by orders
from Richmond.

We have been beaten, or rather badly foiled here, by orders from high
authority; and it is said Gen. Ransom finds himself merely an
instrument in the hands of those who do not know how to use him
skillfully.

The enemy is said to have made a bridge across the James River, either
to come on the north side, or to enable the raiders to reach them. They
are also planting torpedoes, for our iron rams. They are not yet ready.

Gen. Lee is prosecuting the defensive policy effectively. Couriers to
the press, considered quite reliable, give some details of a most
terrific battle in Spottsylvania County day before yesterday, 12th inst.
Our men (with extra muskets) fought behind their breastworks. The host
of assailants came on, stimulated by whisky rations, ten deep, and
fearful was the slaughter. Their loss is estimated at 20,000; ours,
2000. The enemy were still in front. Grant says he will not recross the
Rappahannock as long as he has a man left. Lee seems determined to kill
his last man.

A great deal of time is said to have been consumed in cabinet council,
making selections for appointments. It is a harvest for hunters after
brigadier and major-generalships. The President is very busy in this
business, and Secretary Seddon is sick--neuralgia.

Last night Custis came home on a furlough of twelve hours. He got a
clean shirt, and washed himself--not having had his shoes or clothes off
for more than a week. He has not taken cold, though sleeping in the
water, and not having dry clothes on him for several days. And his
appetite is excellent. He departed again for camp, four miles off, at
5-1/2 A.M., bringing and taking out his gun, his heavy cartridge-box,
and well-filled haversack (on his return).

Half-past four o'clock P.M. A tremendous cannonade is now distinctly
heard down the river, the