e; and the rich,
always seeking repose and security, may embrace them. The surest plan is
to break up speculation, and put the rich as well as the poor in the
army. We must _deserve_ independence, else we shall not get it. There
must be no partiality, and especially in favor of the rich. I wrote
plainly, intimating the danger of Reconstruction, without the greatest
care, and a scrupulous performance of duty.

AUGUST 25TH.--Clear and warm.

No war news, except reports that Gen. Wheeler has destroyed much of the
railroad in Sherman's rear, and that Early has forced Sheridan back
across the Potomac.

Gen. Lee writes that he already notices the good effect of the order
published by our government, encouraging desertions from the enemy's
armies. He suggests that it be translated into the German, and
circulated extensively in the enemy's country.

My turnips seem to be coming up at last; have sown them everywhere, so
that when other crops come off, the ground will still be producing
something.

Bought a bushel of red peas to-day for $30--the last for sale--the rest
being taken for _horses_. Such is the food that my family is forced to
subsist on.

Mr. Haxall, a millionaire, of conscript age, has just been appointed
assessor of tax-in-kind. The salary is a pitiful sum, but the rich man
is kept out of the army while the poor man is forced to fight in defense
of his property.

The President is indefatigable in his labors. Every day the papers he
sends to the department bear evidence of his attention to the minutest
subject, even to the small appointments; he frequently rejects the
Secretary's recommendations.

Gen. Bragg recommends that publication be made here, in the United
States, and in Europe, encouraging enlistments of foreigners in our
army.

AUGUST 26TH.--Clear; but rained copiously last night.

A letter from Gen. Lee indicates that the "Bureau of Conscription" fails
to replenish the army. The rich men and slaveowners are but too
successful in getting out, and in keeping out of the service. The
Governor, who commissions magistrates, is exempting some fifty daily,
and these, in many instances, are not only young men, but speculators.
And nearly every landed proprietor has given bonds to furnish meal, etc.
to obtain exemption. Thus _corruption_ is eating to the heart of the
cause, and I fear the result of the contest between speculation and
patriotism. Mr. Seddon says he has striven to make the conscription