ntellect, and if this be so, of course
_he_ would not be likely to discover and admit it. Mr. Speaker Bocock
signs a communication in behalf of the Virginia delegation in Congress
asking the dismissal of the cabinet.

The Northern papers mention a gigantic raid in motion from Tennessee to
Selma, Montgomery, and Mobile, Ala., consisting of 40,000 cavalry and
mounted infantry, _a la Sherman_. They are resolved to give us no rest,
while we are distracted among ourselves, and the President refuses to
change his cabinet, etc.

Gen. Grant telegraphed the Secretary of War at Washington, when our
commissioners were in his camp, that he understood both Messrs. Stephens
and Hunter to say that peace might be restored on the basis of REUNION.

FEBRUARY 15TH.--Moderated last night; this morning sleety and dangerous.

Gen. Lee was in the city yesterday, walking about briskly, as if some
great event was imminent. His gray locks and beard have become white,
but his countenance is cheerful, and his health vigorous.

The papers say Wheeler has beaten Kilpatrick (Federal cavalry general)
back five miles, somewhere between Branchville and Augusta. So he did
once or twice when Sherman was marching on Savannah, and he took it
while Bragg remained at Augusta. The news of a victory by Beauregard
over Sherman would change the face of affairs in that quarter, and
nothing less will suffice.

It is surprising that the Federal authorities do not seem to perceive
that in the event of a forced reconstruction of the Union, and a war
with any European power, the South would rise again and join the latter.
Better recognize a separate nationality, secure commercial advantages,
and have guarantees of neutrality, etc.

Scouts report Gen. Thomas (Federal), with 30,000 men, encamped in the
vicinity of Alexandria, Va., awaiting fair weather to march upon
Richmond from that direction. The number is exaggerated no doubt, but
that Richmond is to be subjected to renewed perils, while Congress is
wasting its time in idle debate, is pretty certain.

The Senate passed a bill yesterday abolishing the Bureau of
Conscription, and I think it will pass the House. The President ought to
have abolished it months ago--years ago. It may be too late.

Col. St. John, Chief Mining and Niter Bureau, has been nominated as the
new Commissary-General.

FEBRUARY 16TH.--Cloudy; rained yesterday and last night.

We have no important news from South Carolina, except the fal