attalion to the foundry a
few days ago (desertions being frequent from it); and now he learns it
is ordered out to report to Lieut.-Col. Pemberton. He requests that it
be ordered back to the foundry, where it is absolutely necessary for the
supply of munitions, etc.

NOVEMBER 8TH.--Wet and warm; all quiet below, and much mud there.

Congress assembled yesterday, and the President's message was read. He
recommends the employment of 40,000 slaves in the army, not as soldiers,
unless in the last extremity; and _after_ the war he proposes their
_emancipation_. This is supposed to be the idea of Mr. Benjamin, for
foreign effect. It is denounced by the _Examiner_. The message also
recommends the abolition of all class exemptions, such as editors, etc.
The _Examiner_ denounces this as a blow at the freedom of the press.

The message is cheerful and full of hope, showing that the operations of
the year, in the field, have resulted in no disadvantage to us.

By the Northern papers we find that a fleet of four or five cruisers is
devastating their commerce. They sailed recently from Wilmington, in
spite of Gen. Whiting.

No attack was made on Richmond during the last few days. I have no doubt
it was deemed unnecessary by the enemy to secure Mr. Lincoln's
re-election. To-day, no doubt, the election in the United States will
result in a new lease of presidential life for Mr. Lincoln. If this
result should really have been his _motive_ in the conduct of the war,
perhaps there may soon be some relaxation of its rigors--and possibly
peace, for it is obvious that subjugation is not possible. President
Lincoln may afford to break with the Abolition party now, and, as has
been often done before, kick down the ladder by which he ascended to
power. This is merely speculation, however; he may resolve to wield the
whole military strength and resources of the United States with more
fury than ever. But there will henceforth be a dangerous party against
him in the rear. The defeated Democrats will throw every obstruction in
his path--and they may _chock_ his wheels--or even give him employment
for the bayonet at home.

Dispatches from Beauregard and Hood, November 4th, at Tuscumbia, say
that Sherman is concentrating at Huntsville and Decatur. Part of our
army is at Florence. Gen. B. says his advance has been retarded by bad
weather and want of supplies, but that he will march into Tennessee
immediately. Gen. Forrest is throwing difficult