ht themselves, at
least they are not as "eager for the fray" as they were in 1861; and the
armies _must_ be replenished, or else the slaves will certainly be lost.

Thus we begin the new year--Heaven only knows how we shall end it! I
trust we may be in a better condition then. Of one thing I am certain,
the PEOPLE are capable of achieving independence, if they only had
capable men in all departments of the government.

The President was at St. Paul's to-day, with a knit woolen cap on his
head. Dr. Minnegerode preached a sermon against the croakers. His son
has been appointed a midshipman by the President.

JANUARY 2D.--Cold, and indications of snow.

Offered the owner of our servant $400 per annum. He wants $150 and
clothing for her. Clothing would cost perhaps $1000. It remains in
abeyance.

Saw Gen. Wise dancing attendance in the Secretary's room. He looks
seasoned and well, and may be destined to play a leading part "in human
affairs" yet, notwithstanding his hands have been so long bound by those
who contrive "to get possession." It is this very thing of keeping our
great men in the "background" which is often the cause of calamities,
and if persisted in, may bring irretrievable ruin upon the cause.

The government has forbidden the transportation of freight, etc.
(private) from Georgia to Virginia, and perhaps from the intermediate
States.

On Saturday the government entered the market to sell gold, and brought
down the price some 33 per cent. A spasmodic effort, the currency is
gone beyond redemption.

It is said Gen. Hood has collected a large amount of supplies of meat,
etc. He is in North Alabama, and probably Gen. Thomas will march toward
Virginia.

The Secretary had his head between his knees before the fire when I
first went in this morning. Affairs are gloomy enough--and the question
is how Richmond and Virginia shall be saved. Gen. Lee is despondent.

From the Northern papers we learn that Gen. Butler's expedition against
Wilmington, N. C, was a failure. Gen. Bragg is applauded here for this
successful defense.

The salaries of the clergymen have been raised by their congregations to
$10,000 and $12,000. I hear that Dr. Woodbridge received a Christmas
gift from his people of upwards of $4000, besides seven barrels of
flour, etc. _He owns his own house, his own servants_, stocks, etc. Most
of these fortunate ministers are natives of the North, but true to the
Southern cause, so far as we know.