g about industriously.

Gen. Lee writes that desertions are caused by the bad management of the
Commissary Department, and that there are supplies enough in the
country, if the proper means were used to procure them.

Gen. Taylor sends a telegram from Meridian, Miss., stating that he had
ordered Stewart's corps to Augusta, Ga., as Sherman's movement rendered
a _victory necessary at once_. The dispatch was to the President, and
seems to be in response to one from him. So we may expect a battle
immediately near Augusta, Ga. Beauregard should have some 20,000 men,
besides Hardee's 15,000--which ought to be enough for victory; and then
good-by to Sherman!

FEBRUARY 7TH.--A snow four inches in depth on the ground, and snowing.
Last night Governor Smith, President Davis, Senator Oldham (Texas), Rev.
Mr. Duncan, Methodist preacher, and a Yankee Baptist preacher, named
Doggell, or Burroughs, I believe, addressed a large meeting in the
African Church, on the subject of the Peace Mission, and the ultimatum
of the United States authorities. The speakers were very patriotic and
much applauded. President Davis (whose health is so feeble he should
have remained away) denounced President Lincoln as "His Majesty Abraham
the First"--in the language of the press--and said before the campaign
was over he and Seward might find "they had been speaking to their
masters," when demanding unconditional submission. He promised the
people great successes, after our destined reverses had run out,
provided they kept from despondency and speculation, and filled the
ranks of the army. He denounced the speculators, and intimated that they
might yet be called upon to "disgorge their earnings."

A grand assemblage is called for next Thursday, to meet in the Capitol
Square.

Congress will soon be likely to vote a negro army, and their
emancipation after the war--as Lee favors it.

There was some fighting near Petersburg yesterday and the day before;
but the press is reticent--a bad sign.

There is a rumor that Charleston has been evacuated!

Gen. Lee again writes that desertions occur to an alarming extent, for
want of sufficient food. And he says there is enough subsistence in the
country, but that the Commissary Department is inefficiently
administered.

Gen. Breckinridge is in his office to-day.

A scramble is going on by the young politicians for the position of
Assistant Secretary of War, and Mr. Kean is supposed to be ahead in the
race