God knows I am glad to hear of any
one, and especially a minister, being made comfortable.

JANUARY 3D.--Calm and quiet; indications of snow.

By a communication sent to Congress, by the President, it is ascertained
that 500,000 pairs shoes, 8,000,000 pounds bacon, 2,000,000 pounds
saltpeter, 50 cannon, etc. etc., have been imported since October 1st,
1864.

When the enemy's fleet threatened Wilmington, the brokers here (who have
bribed the conscript officers) bought up all the coffee and sugar in the
city. They raised the price of the former from $15 to $45 per pound,
and the latter to $15, from $10. An application has been made to Mr.
Secretary Seddon to order the impressment of it all, at schedule prices,
which he will be sure not to do.

Congress paid their respects to the President yesterday, by waiting upon
him in a body.

There is a rumor of some fighting (12 M.) below, but I have not learned
on which side of the river. It arises from brisk cannonading, heard in
the city, I suppose.

I bought an ax (of Starke) for $15, mine having been stolen. I was asked
from $25 to $35 for no better. Mr. Starke has no garden seeds yet.

The following article in the _Dispatch_ to-day, seemingly well
authenticated, would seem to indicate that our armies are in no danger
of immediately becoming destitute of supplies; but, alas! the
publication itself may cause the immediate fall of Wilmington.

"BLOCKADE-RUNNING.--Notwithstanding the alleged ceaseless vigilance of
the Yankee navy in watching blockade-runners on the Atlantic and Gulf
Coast of the Confederate States, their close attention has amounted to
comparatively little. Setting aside all that has been imported on State
and individual account, the proceeds of the blockade have been very
great. The restrictions imposed upon foreign commerce by the act of
Congress of last session prohibiting, absolutely, during the pending
war, the importation of any articles not necessary for the defense of
the country--namely: wines, spirits, jewelry, cigars, and all the finer
fabrics of cotton, flax, wool, or silk, as well as all other merchandise
serving only for the indulgence of luxurious habits,--has not had the
effect to reduce the number of vessels engaged in blockade-running; but,
on the contrary, the number has steadily increased within the last year,
and many are understood to be now on the way to engage in the business.

"The President, in a communication to Congress on th