, was ordered by Bragg to evacuate
Petersburg--certainly an insane measure. Gen. Beauregard (so the story
runs) telegraphed the President (who was with him, as I heard) to know
if such an order had his sanction. The President replied that Gen.
Bragg's orders were authorized by him. Beauregard _disregarded_ the
order and fought the battle, saving Petersburg. Then Beauregard tendered
his resignation, which was not accepted. It is also said that the order
was directed to the commandant of the garrison; but the courier was
stopped by Generals Wise and Martin, who gave the paper to Beauregard.

There is another rumor that Bragg's orders caused Lee to fall back; and,
of course, the credulous people here are despondent; some in despair.
There may be some design against the President in all this.

MAY 28TH.--Showers and sunshine.

Grant has crossed the Pamunky, and Lee is at the Yellow Tavern--not more
than _six miles_ from the city. The hostile armies are only a few miles
apart, and the GREAT BATTLE may occur at any time, at any hour; and we
shall hear both the artillery and musketry from my dwelling.

All is quiet on the south side of the river. Nothing from Georgia,
except a short address from Gen. Johnston to the army, stating that,
having the enemy now where he wants him, he will lead the soldiers to
battle.

War and famine develop some of the worst instincts of our nature. For
five days the government has been selling meal, by the peck, for $12:
and yet those who have been purchasing have endeavored to keep it a
secret! And the government turns extortioner, making $45 profit per
bushel out of the necessities of the people!

I saw a dispatch, to-day, from Gen. Johnston to his Chief Commissary, at
Atlanta, ordering him, after reserving ten days' rations, to send the
rest of the stores to Augusta!

It is said Mr. Memminger and certain members of Congress have in
readiness the means of sudden flight, in the event of Grant's forcing
his way into the city.

It is thought, to-day, that Bragg will resign. If he does, then the
President will be humiliated; for the attacks on Bragg are meant
principally for Mr. Davis. But I doubt the story; I don't think the
President will permit Bragg to retire before his enemies, unless affairs
become desperate by the defeat of our army in this vicinity.

MAY 29TH.--Bright and quite cold.

There was skirmishing yesterday evening on the Chickahominy.

The armies are confronting each o