family will furnish--if bought, they would cost $100.
Tom has bought a new black coat, made before the war, for $175, the
peace price $15, in specie, equivalent to $600. And my daughter Anne has
made three fine bonnets (for her mother, sister, and herself), from the
debris of old ones; the price of these would be $700. So I fear not but
we shall be fed and clad by the providence of God.

DECEMBER 5TH.--Bright and beautiful.

Anne Samuels and many other ladies, Harrisonburg, Virginia, have
petitioned the government for authority to organize themselves into a
regiment for local defense.

Great excitement was produced in the House of Representatives (Congress)
this morning by the entrance of a lady who proceeded vigorously to
cowhide the Hon. Mr. V----, from Missouri.

Congress has passed a resolution declaring that it was not meant, in
calling for the ages of the clerks in the departments, to include the
ladies.

Vice-President Stephens has arrived in the city.

Our people think, in the Federal accounts of a victory over Gen. Hood,
at Franklin, Tenn., they perceive a Confederate victory. It is
understood that the enemy fell back upon Nashville after the battle,
pursued by Hood.

We are also hopeful of the defeat of Sherman--a little delay on his part
will render it pretty certain. If it should occur, will it give us
peace?

The _Tribune_ says President Lincoln is more determined than ever to
restore the Union. But disaster will surely dishearten either side--that
is, the people.

The following dispatch has been received from Gen. Bragg:

"AUGUSTA, December 4th, 1864.--The column is moving on what is known as
Eastern Road, to Savannah. There are several ferries from the mouth of
---- Creek to Charleston and Savannah Railroad bridge--none below that.
Gen. Hardee reports he is patrolling the river with a gun-boat. I have
had all ferry boats destroyed, and ordered all roads to and from the
river to be broken up and blockaded by felling heavy timber. The roads
are all passed by causeways to the river on both sides over dense
swamps. None of enemy's forces remain near Macon; and from best
information I can obtain, it is thought all of ours have left there for
Savannah. The Georgia militia, who were on Central Railroad, moved back
toward Savannah, and at last accounts were at Station 4-1/2; our
cavalry, however, far in advance of them.--B. B."

At night--mended broken china and glassware again with white lead, very