of Gen. Johnston from the command of the Army of Tennessee.

Hon. Mr. Foote declared, Saturday, that he would resign his seat if the
bill to suspend the writ of _habeas corpus_, now pending, became a law.
There is much consternation--but it is of a sullen character, without
excitement.

The United States Congress has ordered that notice be given Great
Britain of an intention on the part of the Federal Government to
increase the naval force on the lakes; also a proposition has been
introduced to terminate the Reciprocity Treaty. And Gen. Dix orders his
military subordinates to pursue any rebel raiders even _into_ Canada and
bring them over. So, light may come from _that_ quarter. A war with
England would be our peace.

At 2 P.M. it was rumored that Charleston is taken and Beauregard a
prisoner. Also that Gen. Jos. E. Johnston (in the city) says Richmond
will be evacuated in ten days. I do not learn what gold sells at to-day!
I suspect some _coup d'etat_ is meditated.

DECEMBER 20TH.--A brighter morning, cool and clear.

The _President_ was at work yesterday. He and the Secretary and Gen.
Cooper put their heads together to make up a _regiment_ for Col. Miller
in Mississippi, and designate the two field officers to be under
him--from two battalions and two unattached companies.

If the Northern (purporting to be official) accounts be true, Gen. Hood
has sustained an irretrievable disaster, which may involve the loss of
Tennessee, Georgia, etc.

Hon. Mr. Foote declared last night his purpose to leave the city in a
few days, never to resume his seat in Congress, if martial law should be
allowed. He said he had information that when Charleston _fell_, South
Carolina would conclude a treaty of peace (submission?) with the United
States; and that North Carolina was prepared to follow the example! I
have observed that these two States do not often incline to go together.

The _great_ disaster would be the loss of Richmond and retreat of Lee's
army southward. This would probably be followed by the downfall of
slavery in Virginia.

The Secretary of War has sent an agent to the Governor of North
Carolina, to ask for special aid in supplying Lee's army with
meat--which is deficient here--or else it cannot be maintained in the
field in Virginia! Very bad, and perhaps worse coming.

There is a rumor that Gen. Breckinridge has beaten Gen. Burbridge in
Tennessee or Western Virginia.

Gen. R. E. Lee is in town, looking robus