picket firing along the
lines on the south side of the river.

Hon. Geo. Davis, Attorney-General, to whom was referred the question of
the constitutionality of the purposed removal from office of clerks
appointed to fill places specifically created by act of Congress
previous to the enactment of the Conscript law, without there being
alleged against them any misconduct, inefficiency, dishonesty, etc., has
reported that as several subsequent acts of Congress already indicate an
intention to put all capable of bearing arms in the army, it is the duty
of the President and the Secretary of War _to carry out the intentions
of Congress_, leaving the constitutional question to the decision of the
courts! The Constitution they swore upon the holy, etc. to support!
Thus, a refugee must either starve his wife and children by
relinquishing office, or be disgraced by appealing to the courts!

It is reported that 30,000 of the enemy crossed to this side of the
river last night, and that fighting has began at 10 A.M.; but I hear
nothing save an occasional report of cannon.

It is said brisk skirmishing is now (12 M.) going on along the lines.

Gen. Cooper and Mr. Secretary Seddon wants Brig.-Gen. R. (Charleston)
relieved, for insulting a lady in one of his fits of drunkenness. The
President is reluctant to consent.

We have intelligence to-day of gun-boats and transports ascending the
Rappahannock River. Another squall from that quarter!

Three P.M. The cannonading has grown quick and terrific along the
lines, below the city (north side), with occasional discharges nearer,
and farther to the left (north), as if the enemy were attempting to
flank our army.

The sounds are very distinctly heard, the weather being damp and the
wind from the southeast. We can distinguish the bursting of the shell
quickly after the discharge of the cannon.

The firing ceased at dark. It rains hard and steadily, now. What a life!
what suffering, in mud and water, without tents (in the trenches),
burdened with wet blankets, and perhaps without food! To-morrow, in all
probability, a battle will be fought.

Gen. Lee, for several weeks, as if aware of the impending operations in
this vicinity, has been on this side of the river, superintending in
person the fortifications multiplied everywhere for the defense of the
city, while reinforcements have been pouring in by thousands. It must be
a fearful struggle, if Gen. Grant really intends to make anothe