Yesterday, Mr. De Jarnette, of Virginia, introduced in Congress a
resolution intimating a disposition on the part of our government to
unite with the United States in vindication of the "Monroe doctrine,"
_i.e._ expulsion of monarchies established on this continent by European
powers. This aims at France, and to aid our commissioners in their
endeavors to divert the blows of the United States from us to France.
The resolution was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

If there be complication with France, the United States may accept our
overtures of alliance, and our people and government will acquiesce, but
it would soon grow an _unpopular_ treaty. At this moment we are hard
pressed, pushed to the wall, and prepared to catch at anything affording
relief. We pant for a "breathing spell." Sherman is advancing, but the
conquest of territory and liberation of slaves, while they injure us,
only embarrass the enemy, and add to their burdens. Now is the time for
the United States to avert another year of slaughter and expense.

Mr. Foote has been denouncing Mr. Secretary Seddon for selling his wheat
at $40 per bushel.

It is rumored that a column of the enemy's cavalry is on a raid
somewhere, I suppose sent out from Grant's army. This does not look like
peace and independence. An extract from the New York _Tribune_ states
that peace must come soon, because it has _reliable information_ of the
exhaustion of our resources. This means that we must submit
unconditionally, which may be a fatal mistake.

The raiders are said to be on the Brooke Turnpike and Westhaven Road,
northeast of the city, and menacing us in a weak place. Perhaps they are
from the Valley. The militia regiments are ordered out, and the locals
will follow of course, as when Dahlgren came.

Hon. Mr. Haynes of the Senate gives information of a raid organizing in
East Tennessee on Salisbury, N. C., to liberate the prisoners, cut the
Piedmont Road, etc.

Half-past two P.M. Nothing definite of the reported raid near the city.
False, perhaps.

No papers from the President to-day; he is disabled again by neuralgia,
in his _hand_, they say.

CHAPTER XLVII.

Gen. Lee appointed General-in-Chief.--Progress of Sherman.--The markets.--
Letter from Gen. Butler.--Return of the Peace Commissioners.--The
situation.--From Gen. Lee.--Use of negroes as soldiers.--Patriotism
of the women.--Pardon of deserters.--The passport system.--Oh