reat Britain and the United
States, which Lord John is very much averse to. The communication is
sent to _Washington, D. C._, and thence forwarded by Mr. Seward to
Lieut.-Gen. Grant, who sends it by flag of truce to Gen. Lee. Great
Britain gives us a kick while the Federal generals are pounding us.

The enemy have Fayetteville, N. C. Hardee and Hampton crossed the Cape
Fear on the 11th inst. Sherman's army was then within 7 miles of
Fayetteville. Bragg, after his fight near Kinston, had to fall back, his
rear and right wing being threatened by heavy forces of the enemy coming
up from Wilmington.

Some of Sheridan's force did cross the James, but retired to the north
side. So telegraphs Gen. Lee.

MARCH 15TH.--Warm and cloudy. My cabbages coming up in the garden.

The papers contain no war news whatever, yet there is great activity in
the army.

Sheridan's column is said to be at Ashland, and Grant is reported to be
sending swarms of troops to the north side of the river, below, "in
countless thousands."

The President's message, for the completion of which Congress was
desired to remain, has been sent in. I will preserve this splendidly
exordiumed and most extraordinary document. It is a great legal triumph,
achieved by the President over his enemies in Congress, and if we are
permitted to have more elections, many obnoxious members will be
defeated, for the sins of omission and commission. The President strikes
them "between wind and water," at a time, too, when no defense would be
listened to, for he says the capital was never in such danger before,
and shows that without prodigious effort, and perfect co-operation of
all branches of the government, the cause is lost, and we shall have
negro garrisons to keep us in subjection, commanded by Northern
officers. He will have the satisfaction, at least, of having to say a
portion of the responsibility rested with his political opponents. Mr.
Benjamin, who is supposed to have written a portion of the message, was
very jubilant yesterday, and it is said the President himself was almost
jocund as he walked through the Capitol Square, returning home from his
office.

It is now rumored that a French agent is in the city, and that the
President, besides his message, sent to Congress a secret communication.
I doubt--but it may be so.

Gen. Hood is here, on crutches, attracting no attention, for he was not
successful.

Judge Campbell, Assistant Secretary of War, said t