ofits make a
portion of its revenue, or, perhaps, the revenue of its _officers_ and
_agents_. Nevertheless, there was a large crowd, and one man fainted.
The shops sell at $12 to $15 per yard.

Raining at 12 M. All quiet below.

Another report of the defeat of Sherman is current to-day, and believed
by many.

MARCH 9TH.--Rained all night; clearing away this morning. Warm. Nothing
positive from Sherman, Grant, or Sheridan. The enemy's papers say Gen.
Early and 18,000 men were captured--which is nonsense.

Yesterday the Senate passed the Negro troops bill--Mr. Hunter voting for
it under instructions.

The enemy did capture or destroy the tobacco sent to Fredericksburg by
the speculators to exchange for bacon--and 31 cars were burned. No one
regrets this, so far as the speculators are concerned.

Letters from North Carolina state that the country is swarming with
deserters--perhaps many supposed to be deserters are furloughed soldiers
just exchanged. It is stated that there are 800 in Randolph County,
committing depredations on the _rich_ farmers, etc.; and that the
quartermaster and commissary stores at Greensborough are threatened.

Meal is selling at $2 per pound, or $100 per bushel, to-day. Bacon, $13
per pound.

Two P.M. Cloudy, and prospect of more rain. It is quite warm.

A great many officers are here on leave from Lee's army--all operations
being, probably, interdicted by the mud and swollen streams. Sheridan
failed to cross to the south side of James River, it being certainly his
intention to cross and form a junction with Grant, cutting the Danville
and South Side Roads on his way.

I saw Mr. Benjamin to-day without his usual smile. He is not at ease.
The country demands a change of men in the cabinet, and he is the most
obnoxious of all.

Again, there is a rumor of peace negotiations. All men know that no
peace can be negotiated except for reconstruction--and, I suppose,
emancipation.

MARCH 10TH.--Raining and cold. This is the day appointed by the
government for prayer, fasting, etc.; and the departments, shops, etc.
are closed. The people, notwithstanding the bad weather, pretty
generally proceeded to the churches, which will be open morning, noon,
and night, for it is a solemn occasion, and thousands will supplicate
Almighty God to be pleased to look upon us with compassion, and aid us,
in this hour of extremity, to resist the endeavors of our enemies to
reduce us to bondage.

The morning p