cars and several locomotives,
35,000 bales of cotton, etc. etc. And Gen. Foster says the inhabitants
(20,000) were "quiet, and well disposed." Most people believe Charleston
will fall next, to be followed by a sweep of the entire sea-board; and
grave men fear that the impetus thus given the invader cannot be checked
or resisted.

The great want is _fighting men_, and they are mostly exempted or
detailed under that portion of the "War Department" which is quietly
worked by Judge Campbell, who is, of course, governed by his own great
legal judgment. Well, the President has been informed of this, and yet
waits for Mr. Secretary Seddon to suggest a remedy. I have often
thought, and still think, that either the Bureau of Conscription must be
abolished or the government must fail. The best generals will not avail
without sufficient men to fight.

Gen. Beauregard telegraphs from Charleston, December 26th, that there is
a conflict of authority at Mobile as to which branch of the service,
navy or army, shall command the torpedo boat. The two Secretaries are
referring it to commanders, and I fear that, by the time the question is
settled, some calamity will befall the boat, and the city, and the
country.

Grant is said to be moving troops to the north side of the river again,
fearing an attack from us, or intending one himself.

DECEMBER 30TH.--A clear night and frosty morning.

We have no news except that gleaned from Northern papers. Gen. Hood is
unable to cross the Tennessee River (now swollen), and would soon be
attacked again by superior numbers.

Congress was in secret session yesterday, probably perfecting the bill
for the suspension of the privilege of _habeas corpus_.

Gen. Bragg is credited with the repulse of the enemy at Wilmington.

During the late raid a close-fisted farmer lost heavily: several hundred
barrels of flour and corn, one hundred barrels of apples, a large
amount of bacon and sorghum, which he was hoarding, and thus
contributing to produce famine in the midst of plenty. His neighbors
(those few not following his example) express no sympathy for him. The
enemy did not burn Liberty Mills--once in their possession, in which is
stored a large amount of grain--for some unexplained reason.

The enemy's papers show that they have regular and expeditious
intercourse with parties here, and are kept correctly advised of
everything that transpires. This is a continuance of Mr. Benjamin's
policy by Mr. Se