D. H. MAURY, _Major-General_."

Gen. Taylor will cross the Mississippi with 4000 on the 18th of this
month. Sherman must get Atlanta quickly, or not at all.

AUGUST 16TH.--Warm and cloudy.

There are movements of interest of the armies below, from the fact that
we have as yet no authentic account of the fighting during the last few
days. I fear we have not been so successful as usual.

The enemy is reported to be in force on this side (north) of the river,
and marching toward this city. The local (clerks) troops have been
called out to man the fortifications. But the blow (if one really be
meditated) may fall on the other (south) side of the river.

Col. Moseby has taken 200 of the enemy near Berryville, burning 75
wagons, and capturing 600 horses and mules. His loss trifling.

AUGUST 17TH.--Cloudy, and slight showers. In the afternoon dark clouds
going round.

We have nothing from below but vague rumors, except that we repulsed the
enemy yesterday, slaughtering the negro troops thrust in front.

From Atlanta, it is said the enemy have measurably ceased artillery
firing, and it is inferred that their ammunition is low, and perhaps
their communications cut.

The President and Secretary of War were in council all the morning, it
is said, on _appointments_ and _promotions_ in the army.

The President rode out toward the battle-field at 2-1/2 P.M. There have
been no guns heard to-day.

AUGUST 18TH.--Cloudy and pleasant.

Still we have no authentic account of the details of the fights on the
north side of the James River. We know we lost two brigadier-generals,
and that we captured some 600 prisoners. Of the number killed and
wounded on either side is all conjecture, although a semi-official
statement makes our loss but "light."

Nevertheless, I happen to know that the President rode out yesterday,
and remained until late in the night: for Mr. Craddock, his special
detective (and formerly his messenger), whom he sent for to accompany
him, assures me while on the field there was a flag of truce to bury the
dead, and that the slaughter had been large. Our cavalry had suffered;
but he thinks the enemy's infantry lost many more men than all our slain
together. He says, moreover, that only one negro prisoner reached the
city. The rest, thrust forward, being killed on the field in action, I
suppose.

At 2 P.M. a rumor began to be expanded that a terrific and probably a
decisive battle was going on at Petersburg.