ot and dry. I hope there will be a rain-cloud this
evening.

No war news, except a letter from Gen. Lee, indicating that Gen. Morgan
is probably on a raid in Northwest Virginia and in Pennsylvania. Morgan
proposed going into Georgia (rear of Sherman), but the Secretary
indorsed that perhaps the matter had as well be left to Gen. Lee. The
President quietly indorsed that he "concurred in the conclusion that all
the movements of troops in Virginia had best be left to the discretion
of Gen Lee."

Gen. Hood telegraphs that no important change has occurred in front of
Atlanta. There was some skirmishing yesterday, and shell thrown into
Atlanta.

My daughter Anne, after ten months' residence in the country, returned
to-day (with Miss Randolph, of Loudon Co.) in perfect health. She
brought apples, eggs, a watermelon, cucumbers, etc.

Mr. Davies sold my reel (German silver) to-day for $75, or about $3.20
in gold--enough to buy a cord of wood. I parted with it reluctantly, as
I hope to catch fish yet.

AUGUST 6TH.--Hot and dry.

The booming of cannon heard yesterday evening was from one of our
batteries below Drewry's Bluff. The enemy answered from their batteries,
the existence of which we had no knowledge of before. No one was hurt.

About the same time Gen. Beauregard sprung a mine _under_ the enemy's
mine, and blew it up, no doubt destroying many lives. This was succeeded
by heavy, but, perhaps, harmless shelling along the lines.

Another raiding party has been defeated and dispersed at Madison, Ga.

But we have been unfortunate in a naval engagement in the lower bay, at
Mobile. We have lost Admiral Buchanan's ram "Tennessee," and several
other steamers. One of the enemy's monitors was sunk. They had five
vessels to our one.

Battles are momentarily expected at Atlanta and Winchester. We have
nothing additional from the North.

AUGUST 7TH.--Hot and dry; but heavy rains in other parts of the State.

The 1st Army Corps moved through the city last night, via the Central
and Fredericksburg Railroads, and this morning Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry
corps is passing in the same direction--9 A.M.

All this indicates a transferrence of the scene of operations nearer the
enemy's country--the relief of Richmond--the failure of Grant's MAD BULL
campaign, prompted by President Lincoln, who is no general.

Honor to Lee!--the savior of his country! and the noble band of heroes
whom he has led to victory!--but first to God.

AUGU