all is accomplished.

Gen. Breckinridge, it is said, requires the removal of Northrop, before
his acceptance. Gen. Bragg is also named.

Congress, in creating the office of a commander-in-chief, also aimed a
blow at Bragg's staff; and this may decide the President to appoint him
Secretary of War.

A long letter came to-day from Governor Brown, dated Macon, Ga., Jan.
6th, 1865, in reply to a long one from the Secretary of War, filled with
criminations and recriminations, and a flat refusal to yield the old men
and boys in State service, in obedience to the call of the "usurping"
and "despotic" demand of the Confederate States Executive. Georgia
trembles, and may topple over any day!

Mr. Blair's return has excited many vague hopes--among the rest, even of
recognition by the United States Government! Yet many, very many
croakers, weary of the war, would acquiesce in reconstruction, if they
might save their property. Vain hopes.

It is rumored that a commissioner (a Louisianian) sailed to-day for
England, to make overtures to that government.

The government has ordered the military authorities at Augusta, Ga.
(Jan. 21), to remove or burn _all_ the cotton in that town if it is
likely to be occupied by the enemy.

Senator Hunter sends a letter to Mr. Seddon which he has just received
from Randolph Dickinson, Camp 57th Virginia, stating that it is needful
to inaugurate negotiations for the best possible terms without delay, as
the army, demoralized and crumbling, cannot be relied upon to do more
fighting, etc. Mr. Hunter indorses: "My dear sir, will you read the
inclosed? I fear there is too much truth in it. Can't the troops be
paid?

"Yours most truly, R. M. T. HUNTER."

JANUARY 24TH.--Clear and cool. It is now said Mr. Seddon's resignation
has not yet been accepted, and that his friends are urging the President
to persuade him to remain. Another rumor says ex-Gov. Letcher is to be
his successor, and that Mr. Benjamin has sent in his resignation.
Nothing seems to be definitely settled. I wrote the President yesterday
that, in my opinion, there was no ground for hope unless communication
with the enemy's country were checked, and an entire change in the
conscription business speedily ordered. I was sincere, and wrote plain
truths, however they might be relished. It is my _birth-right_.

It is said (I doubt it) that Mr. Blair left the city early yesterday.

To add to the confusion and despair of the country,