ding some
distance was met by a Yankee officer. An exchange of papers was
effected, and Gen. Pryor had turned to retrace his steps, when he was
suddenly seized by two or three armed men, who were lying in ambush, and
hurried away. The whole transaction, we understand, was witnessed by
some of our men, but at too great a distance to render any assistance.
Gen. Pryor had frequently exchanged papers with the enemy, and his name
and character had, no doubt, been reported to them. They resolved to
have him, by fair means or foul, and descended to the basest treachery
to accomplish their purpose.

"We trust that some notice may be taken of the matter by our military
authorities, and every effort used to secure his early return. During
the last few months the general has been acting as an independent scout,
in which capacity he has rendered valuable service."

CHAPTER XLV.

Desertions.--Bragg and Kilpatrick.--Rents.--Gen. Winder's management of
prisoners.--Rumored disasters in Tennessee.--Prices.--Progress of
Sherman.--Around Richmond.--Capture of Fort McAlister.--Rumored death
of the President.--Yankee line of spies.--From Wilmington and
Charleston.--Evacuation of Savannah.

DECEMBER 1ST.--Bright and warm.

It is said there is a movement of the enemy menacing our works on the
north side of the river. There was shelling down the river yesterday and
day before, officially announced by Gen. Lee--two of the enemy's
monitors retired.

Gen. Longstreet says "over 100 of Gen. Pickett's men are in the
guard-house for desertion, and that the cause of it may be attributed to
the numerous reprieves, no one being executed for two months." Gen. Lee
indorses on the paper: "Desertion is increasing in the army,
notwithstanding all my efforts to stop it. I think a rigid execution of
the law is mercy in the end. The great want in our army is firm
discipline." The Secretary of War sent it to the President "for his
information." The President sent it back with the following biting
indorsement: "When deserters are arrested they should be tried, and if
the sentences are reviewed and remitted, that is not a proper subject
for the criticism of a military commander.--JEFF. DAVIS. November 29th,
1864."

Another dispatch from Gen. Bragg:

"AUGUSTA, November 30th, 1864.--Following just received from Major-Gen.
Wheeler: _'Four Miles West Buckhead Church_, November 29th, 9 P.M.--We
fought Gen. Kilpatrick all night and