Senate.

It was rumored yesterday that the President would surely die,--an idle
rumor, perhaps. I hope it is not a disease of the brain, and incurable.

DECEMBER 16TH.--Clear and pleasant; subsequently cloudy and chilly.

All quiet below, save the occasional booming of our guns from the
iron-clads.

The capture of Fort McAlister, Savannah, has caused a painful
sensation. It is believed we have as many men on the Georgia coast as
the enemy; but they are not the men of _property_--men of 1861-62; and
those _without_ property (many of them) are reluctant to fight for the
benefit of the wealthy class, remaining at home.

The following dispatch from Gen. Bragg was received this morning:

"CHARLESTON, December 15th, 1864.--My services not being longer
needed in this department, I shall leave this evening for Wilmington,
and resume my command.

"Sherman has opened communication with his new base, by the Ogeechee.
The means to meet him do not exceed one-half the estimate in yours of
the 7th instant. BRAXTON BRAGG."

So ends Gen. Bragg's campaign against Sherman!

I have not heard about the President's health to-day. But no papers have
come in from his office.

Lieut.-Col. Ruffin, Commissary Department, certifies (or Col. Northrop
for him) that he is "not fit for duty in the field."

DECEMBER 17TH.--Warm and cloudy.

Quiet below.

The President was reported better, yesterday, to my wife, who called.

It is said Gen. Cooper, R. Ould, etc. etc. have never taken their
compensation in Confederate States Treasury notes, hoping at a future
day (which may not come) to draw specie or its equivalent!

It was reported on the streets, to-day, that the President was dead. He
is much better; and will probably be at his office to-day.

The following telegram was sent over by the President this morning:

"SAVANNAH, GA., December 16th, 1864.--Sherman has secured a water base,
and Foster, who is already nearly on my communications, can be safely
and expeditiously reinforced. Unless assured that force sufficient to
keep open my communications can be sent me, I shall be compelled to
evacuate Savannah.--W. J. HARDEE, Lieut.-Gen."

Alas for President Davis's government! It is now in a painful strait. If
reinforcements be sent from here, both Savannah and Richmond may fall.
Gen. Bragg will be crucified by the enemies of the President, for
staying at Augusta while Sh