nd perhaps 1500 killed and wounded.

Railroad men report heavy firing this morning near Fredericksburg, and
it is believed another battle is in progress.

From the West we have a report, derived from the enemy at Natchez, that
Gen. Banks has surrendered to Lieut-Gen. Smith.

It is rumored likewise that President Lincoln has called for 60,000
militia, _to defend Washington_.

A fortnight ago, Mr. Benjamin procured passports for one or two of his
agents "to pass the lines at will." They may have procured information,
but it did not prevent the enemy from coming.

Attended a funeral (next door to us) ceremony this afternoon at 5 P.M.
over the body of Abner Stanfield, a nephew of Mrs. Smith, our next door
neighbor, who fell in battle day before yesterday, near Drewry's Bluff.
By the merest accident his relatives here learned of his fall (by the
paper we loaned them), and Mr. S. had his body brought to his house, and
decently prepared for the grave. His bloody garments were replaced by a
fine suit of clothes he had kept with Mr. S.; his mother, etc. live in
Northern Virginia, and his cousins, the Misses S., decorated the coffin
beautifully with laurels, flowers, etc. He was a handsome young hero,
six feet tall, and died bravely in his country's defense. He was slain
by a shell. The ceremony was impressive, and caused many tears to flow.
But his glorious death and funeral honor will inspire others with
greater resolution to do and to dare, and to die, if necessary, for
their country. The minister did him justice, for the hallowed cause in
which he fell.

MAY 19TH.--Sunshine and showers, the former predominating.

Gen. Lee sends a dispatch saying the enemy's attack yesterday was
repulsed easily--our loss very light.

It is said, however, that the enemy have Guinea's Station, 12 miles this
side of Fredericksburg.

Gen. Beauregard intends shelling Butler in his fortifications
to-morrow.

From the West, in Georgia, and beyond the Mississippi, all seem bright
enough.

Congress has passed a resolution to adjourn on the 31st inst., in
obedience to the wish of the President. He has a majority in both
Houses, it seems; and even the bills they pass are generally dictated by
the Executive, and written in the departments. Judge Campbell is much
used for this purpose.

Gen. Bragg sent in a manuscript, derived from a deserter, stating that
of Gen. Butler's two corps, one, the 10th, is from the Southern coast,
no negroes in