cretary of
War.

MARCH 12TH.--Bright and frosty. About one o'clock last night, there was
an alarm, supposed to be the approach of the enemy from the
West--Sheridan's cavalry--and the tocsin sounded until daylight. It was
a calm moonlight night, without a cloud in the sky. Couriers reported
that the enemy were at the outer fortifications, and had burned Ben
Green's house. Corse's brigade and one or two batteries passed through
the city in the direction of the menaced point; and all the local
organizations were ordered to march early in the morning. Mr. Secretary
Mallory and Postmaster-General Reagan were in the saddle; and rumor says
the President and the remainder of the cabinet had their horses saddled
in readiness for flight. About a year ago we had Dahlgren's raid, and it
was then announced that the purpose was to burn the city and put to
death the President, the cabinet, and other prominent leaders of the
"rebellion." Perhaps our leaders had some apprehension of the fate
prepared for them on that occasion, and may have concerted a plan of
escape.

As well as I can learn from couriers, it appears that only some 1200 or
1500 of the enemy's cavalry advanced toward the city, and are now (10
A.M.) retiring--or driven back by our cavalry. But it is a little
extraordinary that Gen. Lee, with almost unlimited power, has not been
able to prevent 1200 Federals riding from Winchester to Richmond, over
almost impracticable roads, without even a respectable skirmish wherein
1000 men were opposed to them. It is true Early was routed--but that was
more than a week ago, and we have no particulars yet. The enemy's papers
will contain them, however.

MARCH 13TH.--Bright and pleasant.

The reports of the army of Sheridan (mostly mounted infantry) being
within a few miles of the city were at least premature. Subsequent
reports indicate that none of the enemy's cavalry have been in the
vicinity of Richmond, but that his force, a pretty strong one, is some
20 miles up the river, with pontoon trains, etc., manifesting a purpose
to cross the James and cut the Danville Road. In this they will be
disappointed probably.

The President vetoed several bills last week, among them the one
legislating out of office most of the able-bodied post-quarter-masters
and commissaries. There is much anxiety to learn the nature of the
communication he intends laying before Congress in a few days, and for
the reception of which the session has been pr