At the conclave of dignitaries, Hunter, Wigfall, and Secretary Seddon,
yesterday, it is reported that when Mr. Seddon explained Grant's zigzag
fortifications, Senator Hunter exclaimed he was afraid we could never
beat him; when Senator Wigfall said nothing was easier--the President
would put the old folks and children to _praying_ at 6 o'clock A.M. Now
if any one were to tell these things to the President, he would not
believe him.

JUNE 14TH.--Clear and cool.

Gen. Grant has changed his base--disappearing from the front of Lee in
the night. He is supposed to be endeavoring to get his army below the
city, and in communication with Butler on the south side.

A dispatch from Gen. Lee says Gen. Hampton has defeated Sheridan.

Forrest has gained a victory in the West.

Lincoln has been nominated--Andrew Johnson, of Tennessee, for
Vice-President.

Gen. Whiting writes that supplies from abroad are coming in abundantly
at Wilmington, N. C.

If we can only preserve our communications with the South, I regard the
campaign, if not the war, pretty nearly at an end, and Richmond safe!
Grant has failed, after doing his utmost to take Richmond. He has
shattered a great army to no purpose; while Lee's army is as strong as
ever. This is true generalship in Lee. But Grant can get more men.

JUNE 15TH.--Clear and cool; warm late in the day.

It is rumored now that the enemy got to Westtown yesterday, some ten
miles below the point on this side occupied by Butler; and to-day he is
leaving, either crossing to the south side (probably to cut the
railroad), or embarking in his transports for no one knows whither. So,
this attempt to take Richmond is as bad a failure as any. Grant has
_used up_ nearly a hundred thousand men--to what purpose? We are not
injured, after withstanding this blow of the concentrated power of the
enemy. It is true some bridges are burned, some railroads have been cut,
and the crops in the line of the enemy's march have been ruined; but
our army is intact: Lee's losses altogether, in killed and wounded, not
exceeding a few thousand.

A report of an officer states that the James River is not fordable
anywhere above for forty miles.

There is a rumor on the street that the head of Ewell's corps (commanded
by Gen. Early) crossed the Rappahannock, yesterday, at United States
Ford. If this be so, there must be consternation in Washington; and the
government there will issue embarrassing orders to Grant.