sed it.

MAY 24TH.--Clear and warm.

No fighting yesterday besides small collisions near Hanover Junction. It
is said to-day that Grant threatens the Central Railroad, on Lee's left.
This is regarded as a serious matter. We want _men_.

An armed guard is now a fixture before the President's house.

Peas were in market on the 18th inst.; price $10 a half peck.
Strawberries are $10 per quart. There has been no meat in market for a
long time, most of the butchers' stalls being closed during the last
three months. Unless government feeds the people here, some of us may
starve.

MAY 25TH.--Sunshine and showers.

Custis is back again, the battalion of clerks being relieved, after
three weeks' service in the field.

Yesterday there was skirmishing between the armies, near Hanover
Junction--25 miles distant from the city.

Nothing of importance from the south side. But our iron-clads are
certainly going down the river--they _say_.

To-day it is thought a battle commenced between Lee and Grant. It will
be, perhaps, a decisive engagement, whenever it does take place. And yet
there is no trepidation in the community; no apparent fear of defeat.
Still, there is some degree of feverish anxiety, as Lee retires nearer
to the capital followed by the enemy. A little delay would make us
stronger, as reinforcements, especially of cavalry, are daily arriving.
The trains run from the city to Lee's headquarters in one hour and a
half.

A letter from Senator Henry, of Tennessee, to the Secretary, suggests
that Forrest's cavalry be now sent to the rear of Sherman's army in
Georgia, to cut off his supplies, etc., resulting in his destruction.
Perhaps this is the purpose. And Lee may have some such design. A few
days will develop important events. May they put an end to this
desolating war.

MAY 26TH.--Sunshine and showers.

Senator Henry's letter was referred to Gen. Bragg, who returned it
to-day with the indorsement that the suggested movement had not escaped
attention, and a good result might soon be looked for. And sure enough,
a dispatch was received from Atlanta to-day, announcing the capture of
some 250 of the enemy's wagons laden with stores!

It is to be hoped that Gen. Lee has some scheme of a similar character,
to relieve Grant of his supply trains. Troops are daily coming hither,
infantry and cavalry, whence in one hour and a half the former reach
Lee's army. The great battle still hangs fire, but to be of greater
m