d cold. Ice half an inch thick.

Gen. Longstreet is again in the old lines on this side of the river. The
reconnoissance, however, is said to have been successful. Only a few
were killed and wounded on either side.

And Grant's column was turned back from Meherrin bridge. Results of the
movement unimportant, and the supposition is that both armies will now
go into winter quarters, after a taste of this rigorous weather.

It is rumored and believed (though I have seen no dispatch to that
effect) that Sherman has beaten and out-manoeuvred our generals, and
got into communication with the Federal fleet.

I read President Lincoln's message carefully last night. By its
commissions and omissions on Mexican affairs, I think he means to menace
Louis Napoleon, who may _speak out_ January 1st, 1865. Lincoln says:

"Mexico continues to be a theater of civil war. While our political
relations with that country have undergone no change, we have at the
same time strictly maintained neutrality between the belligerents."

And his reference to England is so equivocal, and his grouping of the
Central and South American _Republics_ so prominent, and the boastful
allusion to the "inexhaustible" resources of the United States, may be
considered as a premeditated threat to Great Britain.

A "confidential" letter came in to-day from Mr. Benjamin to the
Secretary of War.

Dr. Powell has sent us a dozen ruta baga turnips, and a couple of
quarts of excellent persimmons, which the family enjoys most thankfully.

Dispatches from Lee:

"HEADQUARTERS ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA,

"December 10th, 1864.

"HON. JAMES A. SEDDON, SECRETARY OF WAR.

"Gen. Hampton, after driving the enemy's cavalry upon his infantry,
on the afternoon of the 8th, recrossed the Nottoway and reached
Bellfield at daylight yesterday.

"In the afternoon the enemy attacked the position, but were
successfully resisted. This morning the enemy is reported retiring
and Hampton following.

"The bridge over the Meherrin was saved. Our loss, as far as known,
was small. The garrison, under Garnett, and the reserves, behaved
well. R. E. LEE."

"HEADQUARTERS ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA,

"December 10th, 1864.

"HON. JAMES A. SEDDON, SECRETARY OF WAR.

"About noon yesterday the first division of the Second Corps of the
enemy, supporting their