idings from the field. It is said the enemy, at
last, has visited his great estates in Essex County; but he'll escape
loss "by hook or by crook." He has made enormously by his crops and his
mills: nevertheless, he would sacrifice all for the Presidency--and
independence.

The President, yesterday, forbade details from the Department Battalion
to remain in the city.

The _Southern_ Express Company has bribed the quartermasters, and is at
its work again, using fine horses and stout details that should be in
the army. Its wagon was at the department to-day with a box of bacon for
Judge Campbell.

About 800 prisoners were marched into the city this afternoon, and it is
believed many more are on the way.

Cannonading was heard again in a northeast direction this evening from 6
till 8-1/2 o'clock, when it ceased--perhaps the prelude to another scene
of carnage to-morrow!

JUNE 4TH.--Showers and sunshine. It is believed Grant has lost 40,000
within the last week!

To-day there has been more or less cannonading along the line; but it is
not known if any infantry were engaged.

The battalion to which Custis (my son) belongs is at Bottom's Bridge,
some sixteen miles distant on the Chickahominy; and I learn that the
enemy shelled it yesterday and last night, without injury, shells
falling short.

It is suspected that Sherman will be ordered from Georgia to reinforce
Grant! It seems Lincoln would give up his hopes of heaven, and plunge
into hell, for the PRESIDENCY.

The Commissary General says Lee must beat Grant before the latter is
reinforced, "or we are gone;" for their destruction of the railroads,
north and northwest, will ruin us--the southern roads being insufficient
to transport stores for the army.

My nephew, Col. R. H. Musser, trans-Mississippi, I am told by Senator
Clark, was complimented on the field of victory by Gen. Taylor. His
brigadier-general having fallen, Col. M. commanded the brigade.

Last evening, about 6 P.M., a cloud nearly overhead assumed the shape of
a section of our fortifications, the segment of a circle, with the
triangle penetrating through from the north. These shapes were
distinctly defined. Could the operations beneath have produced this
phenomenon? was it accidental? or a portent of the future? God knows!

JUNE 5TH.--Raining.

The sudden booming of artillery, shelling our department boys,
intrenching at Bottom's Bridge, was heard until bedtime. I have heard no
results of yeste