ly suffered some of the calamities of war! I
discovered it in a letter from the Hon. _R. M. T. Hunter_, of Essex
County, asking in behalf of himself and neighbors to be permitted to
retain the borrowed horses beyond the time specified--Oct. 1st. Mr.
Hunter borrowed two horses and four mules. He is worth millions, and
only suffered (having a mill burned) his first loss by the enemy a few
weeks ago! Better, far better, would it be for the Secretary to borrow
or impress one hundred thousand horses, and mount our infantry to cut
the communications of the enemy, and hover on his flanks like the
Cossacks in Russia.

SEPTEMBER 9TH.--Rained last night; clear to-day.

We hear of great rejoicing in the United States over the fall of
Atlanta, and this may be premature. President Lincoln has issued a
proclamation for thanksgiving in the churches, etc.

Mr. Benjamin informs the Secretary of War that the President has agreed
to facilitate the emigration of Polish exiles and a few hundred
Scotchmen, to come through Mexico, etc. The former will enter our
service.

The "Hope" has arrived at Wilmington with Sir Wm. Armstrong's present of
a fine 12-pounder, all its equipments, ammunition, etc. Also (for sale)
two 150-pounder rifled guns, with equipments, etc.

SEPTEMBER 10TH.--Slight showers, and warm.

Gen. J. H. Morgan was betrayed by a woman, a Mrs. Williamson, who was
entertaining him.

Custis made an estimate of the white male population in seven States
this side of the Mississippi, leaving out Tennessee, between the ages of
fifteen and fifty, for Gen. Kemper, for Gen. Lee, which is 800,000,
subject to deduction of those between fifteen and seventeen, disabled,
250,000, leaving 550,000--enough for defense for several years yet, if
the Bureau of Conscription were abolished and a better system adopted.

It is said the draft is postponed or abandoned in the United States. I
hope so.

Two 32-pounder guns passed down the river to-day on this side. We shall
probably hear from them soon, and then, perhaps--lose them.

SEPTEMBER 11TH.--Showery.

No war news, though important events are looked for speedily. It is
time. If our coat-tails were off, we should, in nine cases out of ten,
be voted a nation of _sans cullottes_. We are already meager and
emaciated. Yet I believe there is abundance of clothing and food, held
by the extortioners. The government should wage war upon the
speculators--enemies as mischievous as the Yankees.