officers do their duty, and was not aware that so many farmers had
gotten exemption. He promises to do all in his power to obtain recruits,
and will so use the strictly _local_ troops as to render the Reserves
more active. What that means we shall soon see.

A dispatch from Mobile says Fort Morgan is in the possession of the
enemy! _Per contra_, a dispatch from the same place says Memphis is in
the possession of Forrest.

AUGUST 27TH.--Bright morning, and fine shower last night. The people are
smiling to-day from our success of Thursday, announced in the following
dispatch from Gen. Lee:

"HEADQUARTERS ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA,

"August 26th, 1864.

"HON. J. A. SEDDON, SECRETARY OF WAR.

"General A. P. Hill attacked the enemy in his intrenchments at
Reams's Station yesterday evening, and at the second assault
carried his entire line.

"Cook's and McRae's North Carolina brigades, under Gen. Heth, and
Lane's North Carolina brigade, of Wilcox's division, under Gen.
Connor, with Pegram's artillery, composed the assaulting party.

"One line of breastworks was carried by the cavalry under Gen.
Hampton with great gallantry, who contributed largely to the
success of the day.

"Seven stands of colors, two thousand prisoners, and nine pieces of
artillery are in our possession.

"The loss of the enemy in killed and wounded is reported to be
heavy--ours relatively small.

"Our profound gratitude is due to the Giver of all victory, and our
thanks to the brave men and officers engaged.

"R. E. LEE."

It is said to-day that our captures will amount to 2500, and a
brigadier-general is among the prisoners.

The President intimated to-day to the Secretary that when he respites a
prisoner condemned to death, he does not desire the case brought to him
again to approve the execution.

AUGUST 28TH.--A bright, pleasant day.

No news. Walked, as usual, to the department to see if any important
letters had come, and then hastened back that the family might go to
church in time.

Oh what a lovely day in such an unlovely time! The recent rains have
washed the dust from the still dark-green leaves of the trees and
vegetation in my little yard and garden, and they rustle in a genial
sunlight that startles a memory of a similar scene, forty or more years
ago! It is a holy Sabbath day upon the earth,--but how unholy the men
who inhabit