successfully. Such ware can hardly be bought at all--except by the rich.

DECEMBER 6TH.--Bright and beautiful. Indian summer apparently.

All quiet below--but it is anticipated by some that a battle will occur
to-day, or in a day or so.

The enemy's negro troops have been brought to this side of the river,
and are in full view on picket duty.

The Signal Bureau reports a large number of transports descending the
Potomac a few days ago; probably Sheridan's army, to reinforce Grant.

And yet our conscription superintendents, under orders, are busily
engaged furloughing and detailing the rich slaveowners! It is developing
a rapidly growing _Emancipation party_, for it is the establishment of a
privileged class, and may speedily prove fatal to our cause. Our leaders
are _mad_, and will be destroyed, if they persist in this policy.

DECEMBER 7TH.--Raining, and warm.

It is said several hundred of the prisoners taken by Rosser in the
Valley escaped, on the way to Richmond. A relaxation of vigilance always
follows success. How long can this war last?

Hon. Mr. Staples procured four and two months' details yesterday for two
rich farmers, Messrs. McGehee and Heard, both rosy-faced, robust men,
and yet found for "light duty" by a medical board. Thus we go. The poor
and weakly are kept in the trenches, to desert the first opportunity.

It is said a dispatch came from Bragg yesterday (I saw it not) stating
that Wheeler and some infantry had a sharp battle with Sherman's
advance, near Millen, in which the latter suffered greatly. But
reinforcements coming up, our forces fell back in order, disputing the
way.

Tea is held at $100 per pound! Wood still $100 per cord.

I saw Gen. Rains to-day. He says he has over 2000 shell torpedoes
planted along our lines around Richmond and Petersburg.

Col. Bayne reports the importation of 6400 packages salted meats, fish,
coffee, preserved vegetables, from Nassau, Bermuda, and Halifax, _since
October 1st, 1864_, in fourteen different steamers.

DECEMBER 8TH.--Rained hard in the night; clear and pleasant in the
morning.

A letter from John T. Bourne, St. Georges, Bermuda, says he has some
1800 barrels government gunpowder under his care, of which he desires to
be relieved.

Gen. Lee sent to the Secretary the following dispatch this morning: "2d
and 5th corps, Gregg's division of [enemy's] cavalry, are moving South,
on Jerusalem Plank Road. Cavalry reached Sussex Court House at 7