t. On the 8th he crossed South Mountain,
leaving Sigel at Maryland Heights. On the 9th he reached Frederick,
and in the afternoon attacked and routed the enemy, ten thousand
strong, under Wallace, at Monocacy Junction. The next day he moved
on Washington, and arrived in front of the fortifications around
that city on the 11th. The defenses were found very strong, and
were not attacked. After a reconnoissance on the night of the 12th,
he withdrew, and crossed the Potomac at White's Ford on the 14th,
bringing off everything safely and in good order. He reports the
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to have been cut in several places, and
severely damaged. The bridges over Gunpowder River, Northern
Central and Philadelphia Railroads were burned, and the connection
between Washington and Baltimore cut by Johnson's cavalry. The 6th
corps (Federal) had arrived at Washington, and it was reported that
other parts of Grant's army had reached there, but of the latter he
was not certain. Hunter had passed Williamsport, and was moving
toward Frederick. Gen. Early states that his loss was light.

"I am, with great respect,

"Your obed't servant."

(Not signed.)

Custis walked with Lieut. Bell last evening a mile from Hanover Junction
to the battle-field of last month (just a month ago), and beheld some of
the enemy still unburied! They fell very near our breastworks.

JULY 20TH.--Cloudy and warm, but no rain up to 5 P.M. There is no news
of importance; but a battle is momentarily expected in Georgia. The
_Examiner_ says the President bears malice against Johnston, and
embraces an occasion to ruin him at the risk of destroying the country.
That he was not allowed the aid of detachments necessary to success, and
hence he could not fight; but all aids will he give his successor, Hood,
who will be successful. And that this game was played on Johnston in
1862 in Virginia, and when Lee took command, every facility was afforded
by the government. In short, Gen. Johnston cannot be vindicated unless
our army be destroyed; and if Hood wins a victory, he is ruined. This is
an unpleasant predicament for a general.

Planted some cabbage-seeds given me; no plants are for sale.

JULY 21ST.--Clear and warm. Bought fifty cabbage-plants and set them out
before breakfast.

Gen. Early met Gen. Hunter at Snicker's Gap, and whipped him.

All quiet at Petersb