e in collision with him, he will meet it. He says he
will not submit to any interference. Gov. Vance was splenetic once
before, but became amiable enough about the time of the election. Since
his election for another term, he shows his teeth again.

SEPTEMBER 23D.--Raining.

Our loss, killed, wounded, and taken in the battle near Winchester, is
estimated by our people at 2500. The enemy say they got 2500 prisoners.
The enemy's loss in killed and wounded amounted probably to as much as
ours.

Gen. Lee writes that, in his opinion, the time has come for the army to
have the benefit of a certain per cent of the negroes, free and slave,
as teamsters, laborers, etc.; and he suggests that there should be a
corps of them permanently attached to the army. He says if we do not
make use of them in the war, the enemy will use them against us. He
contemplates staying where he is during the winter, and proposes
building a railroad from his rear to the oak woods, as the pines do not
answer a good purpose.

Gen. Hood telegraphs (dated yesterday) his intention to get in the
enemy's rear, and intercept supplies from Dalton. Sherman must either
attempt to drive him from that position (north bank of the
Chattahoochee), or advance farther south with his supplies cut off and
our army assaulting his rear.

Mr. Roy (clerk), cousin of Mr. Seddon, said to-day that he regarded the
Confederacy near its end, and that the Union would be reconstructed.

Our good friend Dr. Powell brought us a gallon of sorghum molasses
to-day.

SEPTEMBER 24TH.--Raining alternate hours and warm. Had a chill this
morning, and afterward several spells of blindness, from rushes of blood
to the head. Came home and bathed my feet and recovered.

Another disaster! but no great loss of men. Gen. Early was compelled to
retreat again on Thursday, 22d inst., the enemy flanking him, and
getting in his rear. He lost 12 more guns. This intensifies the chagrin
and doubts prevalent in a certain class of the community. However, Lee
commands in Virginia, and there may be better luck next time, which will
cause everybody's spirits to rise.

Gen. Lee writes a long letter to the Secretary of War, deprecating the
usage of the port of Wilmington by the Tallahassee and other cruisers,
that go out and ravage the enemy's commerce, such as the destruction of
fishing smacks, etc. Already the presence of the Tallahassee and the
Edith at Wilmington has caused the loss of one of our blo