now safely in Europe. That
blunder brought the enemy to the gates of the capital, and relinquished
a fertile source of supplies; however, at this moment Lee is deriving
some subsistence from that source by connivance with the enemy, who get
our cotton and tobacco.

Another blunder was Hood's campaign into Tennessee, allowing Sherman to
raid through Georgia.

FEBRUARY 13TH.--Coldest morning of the winter.

My exposure to the cold wind yesterday, when returning from the
department, caused an attack of indigestion, and I have suffered much
this morning from disordered stomach and bowels.

From Northern papers we learn that Gen. Grant's demonstration last week
was a very formidable effort to reach the South Side Railroad, and was,
as yet, a decided failure. It seems that his spies informed him that
Gen. Lee was evacuating Richmond, and under the supposition of Lee's
great weakness, and of great consequent demoralization in the army, the
Federal general was induced to make an attempt to intercept what he
supposed might be a retreat of the Confederate army. There will be more
fighting yet before Richmond is abandoned, probably such a carnival of
blood as will make the world start in horror.

The New York _Tribune_ still affects to believe that good results may
come from the recent peace conference, on the basis of reunion, other
basis being out of the question. The new amnesty which it was said
President Lincoln intended to proclaim has not appeared, at least our
papers make no mention of it.

Gen. Lee has proclaimed a pardon for all soldiers, now absent without
leave, who report for duty within 20 days, and he appeals to their
patriotism. I copy it.

"HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES,

"February 11th, 1865.

"GENERAL ORDERS NO. 2.

"In entering upon the campaign about to open, the general-in-chief
feels assured that the soldiers who have so long and so nobly borne
the hardships and dangers of the war require no exhortation to
respond to the calls of honor and duty.

"With the liberty transmitted by their forefathers they have
inherited the spirit to defend it.

"The choice between war and abject submission is before them.

"To such a proposal brave men, with arms in their hands, can have
but one answer.

"They cannot barter manhood for peace, nor the right of
self-government for life or property.

"But justice to them