re than twenty years ago. There were also many toys and
keepsakes presented Mrs. J. when she was an infant, forty years ago, and
many given our children when they were infants, besides various articles
of infants' clothing, etc. etc., both of intrinsic value, and prized as
reminiscences. The available articles, though once considered rubbish,
would sell, and could not be bought here for less than $500.

This examination occupied the family the remainder of the day and
night--all content with this Christmas diversion--and oblivious of the
calamities which have befallen the country. It was a providential
distraction.

DECEMBER 27TH.--A night of rain--morning of fog and gloom. At last we
have an account of the evacuation of Savannah. Also of the beginning of
the assault on Port Fisher and Caswell below Wilmington, with painful
apprehensions of the result; for the enemy have landed troops above the
former fort, and found no adequate force to meet them, thanks to the
_policy_ of the government in allowing the _property holders_ to escape
the toils and dangers of the field, while the poor, who have nothing
tangible to fight for, are thrust to the front, where many desert. Our
condition is also largely attributable to the management of the Bureau
of Conscription--really the Bureau of _Exemption_.

I saw to-day a letter from Gen. Beauregard to Gen. Cooper, wherein it
was indicated that Gen. Hood's plan of penetrating Tennessee was adopted
before he (Gen. B.) was ordered to that section.

The enemy _did_ occupy Saltville last week, and damaged the works. No
doubt salt will "go up" now. The enemy, however, have retired from the
place, and the works can be repaired. Luckily I drew 70 pounds last
week, and have six months' supply. I have two months' supply of coal and
wood--long enough, perhaps, for our residence in Richmond, unless the
property owners be required to defend their property. I almost despair
of a change of policy.

It is reported that Sherman is marching south of Savannah, on some new
enterprise; probably a detachment merely to destroy the railroad.

An expedition is attacking, or about to attack, Mobile.

All our possessions on the coast seem to be the special objects of
attack this winter. If Wilmington falls, "Richmond next," is the
prevalent supposition.

The brokers are offering $50 Confederate States notes for $1 of gold.

Men are silent, and some dejected. It is unquestionably the darkest
period we h