nth day, of consumption!

There is a rumor of a fight on our extreme left. It is said Field's
division (C. S.) repulsed three assaults of the enemy. If the battle be
still continued (4 P.M.--the wind from the west prevents us from hearing
guns), no doubt it is the beginning of a general engagement--decisive,
perhaps, of the fate of Richmond.

We have many accounts of evasions of military service, occasioned by the
alleged bad faith of the government, and the despotic orders from the
Adjutant-General's office.

And yet Gov. Smith's certificates for exemption of rich young Justices
of the Peace, Commissioners of the (county) Revenue, Deputy Sheriffs,
clerks, constables, officers and clerks of banks, still come in daily;
and they are "allowed" by the Assistant Secretary of War. Will the poor
and friendless fight their battles, and win their independence for them?
It may be so; but let not rulers in future wars follow the example!
Nothing but the conviction that they are fighting for their families,
their sacred altars, and their little property induces thousands of
brave Southerners to remain in arms against such fearful odds as are now
arrayed against them.

Mr. Kean, the young Chief of the Bureau of War, has come in from "the
front," with a boil on his thigh. He missed the sport of the battle
to-day.

Mr. Peck, the agent to purchase supplies for his starving fellow-clerks,
confesses that he bought 10 barrels of flour and 400 pounds of bacon for
himself; 4 barrels of flour for Judge Campbell, Assistant Secretary of
War; 4 barrels for Mr. Kean, 1 for Mr. Cohen, and 1 for Mr. Shepherd.
This has produced great indignation among the 200 clerks who sent him,
and who got but 73-1/2 pounds each, and they got 13 pounds of bacon
each; while Mr. P. bought for himself 400 pounds.

OCTOBER 14TH.--The following dispatch from Gen. Lee cheered the city
this morning. None of the particulars of the battle have yet transpired,
and all are looking hourly for a renewal of the contest.

"HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,

"October 13th, 1864.

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

"At seven o'clock this morning the enemy endeavored to advance
between the Darbytown and Charles City Roads, but was repulsed in
every attempt. The most strenuous effort was made about four P.M.,
after which he withdrew, leaving many dead. Our loss very slight.

"Gen. Breckinridge reports that a force of