n duty in the bureaus here. It
will fail, probably, since all efforts have failed to put in their
able-bodied clerks. If Bragg were here, and allowed his way, he would
move them to the front.

The following dispatch was received from Gen. Bragg to-day:

"AUGUSTA, GA., Dec. 13th, 1864.--I go to Charleston to-morrow to see
Gen. Beauregard, at his request. He has assigned me to duty.--B. B."

I got to-day from Major Cross, A. Q. M. Gen., an order to buy a pair of
government shoes (British) for $10. They are most excellent in quality,
heavy, with iron heels, etc., and would cost, if made here, $150. This
good fortune is worthy of being thankful for.

The military officers in the bureaus, responsive to a resolution of the
House of Representatives, are reporting their ages, and most of them
admit they are able-bodied and fit for service in the field. They have
no fear of being transferred to the front, supposing themselves
indispensable as bureau officers.

DECEMBER 15TH.--Cloudy and cool.

A dispatch from the West states that the enemy have made a heavy raid
from Bean's Station, Ky., cutting the railroad between Abingdon and
Bristol, destroying government stores, engines, etc. Breckinridge and
Vaughan, I suppose, have been ordered away. Dr. Morris, Telegraph
Superintendent, wants to know of the Secretary if this news shall be
allowed to go to the press.

The President is ill, some say very ill, but I saw indorsements with his
own hand on the 13th (day before yesterday).

Our affairs seem in a bad train. But many have unlimited confidence in
Gen. Beauregard, who commands in South Carolina and Georgia, and all
repose implicit trust in Lee.

A writer in the _Sentinel_ suggests that if we should be hard pressed,
the States ought to repeal the old Declaration of Independence, and
voluntarily revert to their original proprietors--England, France, and
Spain, and by them be protected from the North, etc. Ill-timed and
injurious publication!

A letter from G. N. Sanders, Montreal, Canada E., asks copies of orders
(to be certified by Secretary of War) commanding the raid into Vermont,
the burning, pillaging, etc., _to save Lieut. Young's life_. I doubt if
such written orders are in existence--but no matter.

It is said the enemy have captured Fort McAlister, Savannah Harbor.

Mr. Hunter is very solicitous about the President's health--said to be
an affection of the head; but the Vice-President has taken his seat in
the