hat would not save their
slaves! The Proclamation of Emancipation in the United States may yet
free the South of Northern domination.

FEBRUARY 11TH.--Cloudy and cold; froze hard last night.

Yesterday a bill was introduced into both houses of Congress authorizing
the enlistment of 200,000 slaves, _with consent of their owners_, which
will probably be amended. Mr. Miles, as a test vote, moved the rejection
of the bill; and the vote _not_ to reject it was more than two to one,
an indication that it will pass.

The failure of the peace conference seems to have been made the
occasion of inspiring renewed zeal and enthusiasm for the war in the
United States, as well as here. So the carnival of blood will be a
"success."

The enemy claim an advantage in the late battle on the south side of the
James River.

Sherman's movements are still shrouded in mystery, and our generals seem
to be _waiting_ for a development of his intentions. Meantime he is
getting nearer to Charleston, and cutting railroad communications
between that city and the interior. The city is doomed, unless Hardee or
Beauregard, or both, successfully take the initiative.

Here the price of slaves, men, is about $5000 Confederate States notes,
or $100 in specie. A great depreciation. Before the war, they commanded
ten times that price.

It is rumored that _hundreds_ of the enemy's transports have come into
the James River. If it be Thomas's army reinforcing Grant, Richmond is
in immediate peril! Information of our numbers, condition, etc. has
been, doubtless, communicated to the enemy--and our slumbering
government could not be awakened!

Wigfall, of Texas, Graham, of North Carolina, Orr and Miles, of South
Carolina, oppose the employment of negro troops, and Gen. Wickham, of
this department, openly proclaims such a measure as the end of the
Confederacy! We are upon stirring times! Senator Wigfall demands a new
cabinet, etc.

Two P.M. The sun has come out; warmer. But it does not disperse the
prevailing gloom. It is feared Richmond must be abandoned, and our
forces concentrated farther South, where supplies may be more easily
had, and where it will be a greater labor and expense for the enemy to
subsist his armies.

Assistant Secretary of War, Judge Campbell, is still furloughing,
detailing, and discharging men from the army; and yet he thinks the
country is pretty nearly exhausted of its fighting population! His
successor is not yet appointed; th