day passed a singular compensation
bill, benefiting two disbursing clerks and others already rich enough. I
have written a note to Senator Johnson, of Missouri, hoping to head it
off there, or to so amend it as to make it equable and just. All the
paths of error lead to destruction; and every one seems inclined to be
pressing therein.

The freezing of the canal has put up the price of wood to about $500 per
cord--judging from the little one-horse loads for which they ask $50.

One o'clock P.M. Dark and dismal; more rain or snow looked for.
Certainly we are in a dark period of the war--encompassed by augmenting
armies, almost starving in the midst of plenty (hoarded by the
speculators), our men deserting--and others skulking duty, while
Congress and the Executive seem paralyzed or incapable of thought or
action.

The President was better yesterday; but not out. They say it is
neuralgia in the shoulder, disabling his right arm. Yet he orders
appointments, etc., or forbids others.

Major Noland, Commissary-General, has refused to impress the coffee in
the hands of speculators; saying there is no law authorizing it. The
speculators rule the hour--for all, nearly, are speculators! God save
us! we seem incapable of saving ourselves.

No news to-day from Georgia and South Carolina--which means there is no
good news. If it be true that Gen. Thomas has reinforced Grant with
30,000 men, we shall soon _hear_ news without seeking it! The enemy will
not rest content with their recent series of successes; for system of
_easy communication_ will enable them to learn all they want to know
about our weak points, and our childish dependence on the speculators
for subsistence.

After leaving thirty days' supplies in Charleston for 20,000 men--all
the rest have been ordered to Richmond.

FEBRUARY 4TH.--Clear, but rained last night. From the South we learn
that Sherman is marching on Branchville, and that Beauregard is at
Augusta.

The _great struggle_ will be in Virginia, south of Richmond, and both
sides will gather up their forces for that event. We can probably get
men enough, if we can feed them.

The City Council is having green "old field pine" wood brought in on the
Fredericksburg railroad, to sell to citizens at $80 per cord--a
speculation.

The Quartermaster's Department is also bringing in large quantities of
wood, costing the government about $40 per cord. Prior to the 1st inst.,
the Quartermaster's Department _com