ies in the way of
Sherman. The armies are equidistant from Nashville, and if Sherman's
supplies fail, his condition becomes desperate.

Captain Manico (acting lieutenant-colonel Departmental Regiment) informs
me that the enemy will certainly open batteries in a day or two on our
troops at Chaffin's Bluff, and will be replied to vigorously, which he
thinks will bring on a battle. We shall hear more thunder, as the
distance is only seven or eight miles.

It seems to be clearing up, and there may be news before night. When
election news arrives per telegraph from the North--if favorable--it is
supposed the enemy will celebrate it by _shotted_ salutes, and thus
recommence the slaughter.

NOVEMBER 9TH.--Rained last night; clear this morning, and warm. All
quiet below, except the occasional bombs thrown at the canal by our
iron-clads.

The press is mostly opposed to the President's _project_ of employing
40,000 slaves in the army, under promise of emancipation. Some indicate
the belief that the President thinks the alternatives are subjugation or
abolition, and is preparing the way for the latter.

The _Enquirer_ is averse to conscribing editors between the ages of
eighteen and forty-five. The editor says it would be a violation of the
Constitution, etc.

We all believe Lincoln has been easily re-elected.

It is supposed Grant will soon receive large accessions from Sheridan's
army, and make another attempt to take Richmond. It will be the most
formidable attempt, and will be the most formidably resisted.

A row between Gen. Kemper and Gen. Preston: latter refers papers
directly to Col. Shields, Gen. K.'s subordinate. Gen. K. asks to be
relieved: Secretary Seddon agrees to it, taking sides with the Bureau of
Conscription. But the President does not (yet) agree to it, asks
investigation of Gen. K.'s complaints, etc.; and so it rests at the
present. The Assistant Secretary of War, his son-in-law Lieut.-Col. Lay,
etc. etc. are all on the side of the Bureau of Conscription; but I
suspect the President is on the _other_ side. My opinion is that unless
the Bureau of Conscription be abolished or renovated, our cause will
fare badly. The President states his suspicions of "malpractice" in his
indorsement.

Much cheering has been heard this morning in the enemy's lines--over
election news, probably: whether McClellan's or Lincoln's success, no
one here knows; but no doubt the latter.

NOVEMBER 10TH.--Warm; rain and wind (