ed of the weak condition of the fort, it is
probable Grant has been sending another and a stronger expedition there,
and it may be apprehended that before many days Wilmington will cease to
be of value to us as a blockade-running port of entry.

I saw the Hon. Mr. Montague to-day, who told me there was a strong party
in Congress (which he opposed) in favor of making Gen. Lee generalissimo
without the previous concurrence of the President. He says some of the
Georgia members declare that their State will re-enter the Union unless
Lee be speedily put at the head of military affairs in the field--he
being the only man possessing the unlimited confidence of the people. I
agreed with him that the President ought to be approached in a proper
manner, and freely consulted, before any action such as he indicated;
and I told him that a letter from Gen. Beauregard, dated 6th of
December, to the President, if ever published, would exculpate the
latter from all blame for the march (unopposed) of Sherman through
Georgia.

Col. Baylor, whom the President designated the other day as the proper
man to raise troops in New Mexico, Arizona, Lower California and in
Mexico, is the same man who invited the Indians to a council in 1861, to
receive presents, whisky, etc., and then ordered them, men, women, and
children, to be _slaughtered_. Even Mr. Randolph revolted at such
conduct. But now the government must employ him.

The rotund Mr. Hunter is rolling about actively to-day, hunting for more
news. His cheeks, though fat, are flat and emaciated--for he sees
affairs in a desperate condition, and he has much to lose.

JANUARY 9TH.--Bright, clear, and cold.

It is said the government depot at Charlotte, N. C., has been burned
(accidentally), consuming a large amount of corn.

We have nothing further of the movement of Grant's troops.

We have Hood's acknowledgment of defeat, and loss of 50 guns before
Nashville.

The papers contain the proceedings of a meeting in Savannah, over which
the Mayor presided, embracing the terms of submission offered in
President Lincoln's message. They have sent North for
provisions--indicating that the city was in a famishing condition. Our
government is to blame for this! The proceedings will be used as a
"form," probably, by other cities--thanks to the press!

The _Examiner_ is out this morning for a convention of all the
(Confederate) States, and denouncing the President. I presume the object
is to pu