ll higher
prices." Such is the avarice of man. Such is war. And such the greed of
extortioners, even in the midst of famine--and famine in the midst of
plenty!

AUGUST 14TH.--Hot and dry.

Rumors of a fight down the river yesterday, driving the enemy from Deep
Bottom, and grounding of the Richmond. Guns were heard, and I suppose we
made a demonstration both by land and water.

Cavalry (Hampton's) still pass northward. They ride as if they grew to
the horses. As they trot past, they can be seen cutting and dividing
large round watermelons, and none are permitted to fall. Occasionally a
staring negro in the street is astonished by the crushing of a rind on
his head.

I never saw melons and other fruit so abundant; but they are held so
high I cannot indulge.

Mr. Seddon draws 75 pounds rice per month, his family being fifty; and
gets 12 pads cotton yarn from the State distribution. I shall get 10-1/2
pounds rice, at 50 cents--retail price, $2; and perhaps 1 pad--5
pounds--yarn for $45; my family being seven.

AUGUST 15TH.--Cloudy, damp, and pleasant. A rain fell last night,
wetting the earth to a considerable depth; and the wind being southeast,
we look for copious showers--a fine season for turnips, etc.

Cannon was distinctly heard from my garden yesterday evening, and
considerable fighting has been going on down the river for several days;
the result (if the end is yet) has not been officially stated. It is
rumored that Pemberton lost more batteries; but it is only rumor, so
far. Nor have we anything definite from Early or Hood.

Bacon has fallen to $5 and $6 per pound, flour to $175 per barrel. I
hope we shall get some provisions from the South this week.

Sowed turnip-seed in every available spot of my garden to-day. My
tomatoes are beginning to mature--better late than never.

The following official dispatch was received on Saturday:

"MOBILE, August 11th.--Nothing later from Fort Morgan. The wires
are broken. Gen. Forrest drove the enemy's advance out of Oxford
last night.

"All the particulars of the Fort Gaines surrender known, are that
the commanding officer communicated with the enemy, and made terms,
without authority. His fort was in good condition, the garrison
having suffered little.

"He made no reply to repeated orders and signals from Gen. Page to
hold his fort, and surrendered upon conditions not known
here.