ected within his lines to overlook ours.

SEPTEMBER 15TH.--Bright and pleasant.

The firing was from our gun-boats and two batteries, on Gen. Butler's
canal to turn the channel of the river.

Our fondly-cherished visions of peace have vanished like a mirage of the
desert; and there is general despondency among the croakers.

Mr. Burt, of South Carolina (late member of Congress), writes from
Abbeville that Vice-President A. H Stephens crossed the Savannah River,
when Sherman's raiders were galloping through the country, in great
alarm. To the people near him he spoke freely on public affairs, and
criticised the President's policy severely, and the conduct of the war
generally. He said the enemy might now go where he pleased, our strength
and resources were exhausted, and that we ought to make _peace_. That we
could elect any one we might choose President of the United States, and
intimated that this would enable us to secure terms, etc., which was
understood to mean reconstruction of the Union.

A dispatch from Gen. Hood, dated yesterday, says Wheeler has been
forced, by superior numbers, south of the Tennessee River; and he now
proposes that he (W.) shall retreat south along the railroad, which he
is to destroy. This is the very route and the very work I and others
have been hoping would engage Wheeler's attention, for weeks. For one, I
am rejoiced that the enemy "forced" him there, else, it seems, Sherman's
communications never would have been seriously interrupted. And he
proposes sending Forrest to operate with Wheeler. Forrest is in Mobile!

Gen. Morgan's remains are looked for this evening, and will have a great
funeral. And yet I saw a communication to the President to-day, from a
friend of his in high position, a Kentuckian, saying Morgan did not die
too soon; and his reputation and character were saved by his timely
death! The charges, of course, will be dropped. His command is reduced
to 280 men; he was required to raise all his recruits in Kentucky.

SEPTEMBER 16TH.--Bright and pleasant--the weather.

Gen. Hood telegraphs that his army is so much mortified at the feeble
resistance it made to Sherman, that he is certain it will fight better
the next time.

Mr. Benjamin asks a passport and transportation for Mrs. Jane L. Brant,
who goes to Europe in the employment of the government.

Gen. Morgan's funeral took place to-day. None were allowed to see him;
for the coffin was not opened. On the way to Holl