t causes agitation in official circles. Mr. Secretary
Seddon's room was locked nearly all day yesterday.

If troops cannot be transported expeditiously over the Piedmont Road,
fears may be entertained for Wilmington, when, the gale subsiding, the
enemy's fleet has reappeared.

There is a rumor on the street that the government is to be removed to
Lynchburg.

Gen. Lee has induced the President and Secretary of War to call for the
clerks (detailed ones) to repair to the trenches again--this weather.
The emergency must be great, as these soldiers get, as clerks, $4000 per
annum, and rations, etc.

A dispatch from Gen. Bragg.

"WILMINGTON, N. C., December 23d, 1864.--The fleet, which drew off in
the rough weather, is again assembled; seventy vessels now in sight on
the coast. The advance of the troops (C. S.) only reached here
to-night.--B. B."

The clerks are drawing lots; one-half being ordered to the trenches. Of
two drawn in this bureau (out of five) one is peremptorily ordered by
the Secretary to remain, being sickly, and the other has an order to go
before a medical board "to determine whether he is fit for service in
the trenches for a few days." Great commotion naturally prevails in the
departments, and it is whispered that Gen. Lee was governed in the
matter by the family of the President, fearing a Christmas visit from
the negro troops on this side the river.

The following note was received to-day from the Vice-President:

"RICHMOND, VA., December 23d, 1864.--Hon. Jas. A. Seddon, Secretary
of War: Will you please send me, through the post-office, a
passport to leave the city? I wish to depart in a few
days. Yours respectfully,

"ALEX. H. STEPHENS."

The President is hard at work making majors, etc.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25TH. CHRISTMAS!--Clear and pleasant--white frost.

All quiet below. But it is believed on the street that Savannah has been
evacuated, some days ago. I have not yet seen any official admission of
the fact.

We have quite a merry Christmas in the family; and a compact that no
unpleasant word shall be uttered, and no _scramble_ for anything. The
family were baking cakes and pies until late last night, and to-day we
shall have _full_ rations. I have found enough celery in the little
garden for dinner.

Last night and this morning the boys have been firing Christmas guns
incessantly--no doubt pilfering from their fathers