o further than a permission for the Southern
States to decide, in convention, the question of emancipation. The
President having suggested, however, the propriety of putting the
negroes into the service, and emancipating them afterward, has aroused
the fears and suspicions of many of the people; and but few have
confidence in the integrity of the Secretary of State. Hence the
universal gloom and despondency of the croakers. There may be difficulty
in replenishing the Federal armies, and they may be depleted by spring;
and if so, Gen. Lee may be able to make another grand campaign with the
men and material now at his command. The issue of the next campaign may
inaugurate _real_ negotiations. Wilmington may be taken,
blockade-running may cease; but we have ammunition and other stores for
another campaign.

At last we have a dispatch from Gen. Lee, announcing the fall of Fort
Fisher. Most of the garrison, supposed to be 1500, were taken.

Gold was $70 for $1 on Saturday: what will it be to-day or to-morrow?

A voluminous correspondence is going on between Mr. Conrad (secret agent
to arrest disloyal men endeavoring to cross the Potomac) and Mr.
Secretary Seddon. Mr. Foote, arrested by their great skill, has applied,
indignantly, for a writ of _habeas corpus_. Thus the time of our _great_
dignitaries is consumed removing molehills, while mountains are looming
up everywhere.

The following dispatch was received here at 11 A.M. to-day from Gen.
Bragg's A. D. C.: "January 15th, 1865.--Official information from Gen.
Whiting, at Fort Fisher, up to 8 o'clock this evening, reports enemy's
attack on fort unsuccessful. Fresh troops are being sent to him."

This does not agree with the dispatch from Gen. Lee. It must have been
taken _last_ night, and after the hour indicated. Gen. Lee certainly
says it has fallen. It is gone, and I fear the "reinforcements"
also--with Gen. Whiting "to boot."

Alas for Bragg the unfortunate! He seems to be another BOABDIL the
Unlucky.

Dr. Woodbridge announced in the Monumental Church, yesterday, that only
five ladies had responded to the call to knit socks for the soldiers! A
_rich_ congregation, too. My daughters (poor) were among the five, and
handed him several pairs. They sent one pair to their cousin S. Custis,
Clingman's brigade, Hoke's North Carolina division.

Mr. Lewis, disbursing clerk of Post-Office Department, has sent in a
communication asking an investigation of the conduct of M