rthern papers chronicle the rise in flour here--to $1500 per
barrel--a few days ago, and this affords proof of the fact that every
occurrence of military importance in Richmond is immediately made known
in Washington. How can success be possible? But our authorities are
confirmed in their madness.

There were some movements yesterday. Pickett's division was ordered from
this side of the river to the Petersburg depot, to be transported in
haste to that town; but it was countermanded, and the troops now (9
A.M.) are marching back, down Main Street. I have not learned what
occasioned all this.

The marching and countermarching of troops on this side of the river
very much alarmed some of the people, who believed Lee was about to
evacuate the city.

Eleven A.M. Gen. Lee attacked the enemy's fort (Battery No. 5) near
Petersburg this morning, the one which has so long been shelling the
town, and captured it, with 600 prisoners, and several guns. This may
interfere with Gen. Grant's projects on his left wing, against the
railroad.

It is rumored that Gen. Grant is moving heavy bodies of troops toward
Weldon, to reinforce Sherman.

MARCH 26TH.--Frost last night. Cloudy, cold, and windy to-day.

Suffered much yesterday and last night with disordered bowels--from
cold. This, however, may relieve me of the distressing cough I have had
for months.

After all, I fear Lee's attempt on the enemy's lines yesterday was a
failure. We were compelled to relinquish the fort or battery we had
taken, with all the guns we had captured. Our men were exposed to an
enfilading fire, not being supported by the divisions intended to
co-operate in the movement. The 600 prisoners were completely
surprised--their pickets supposing our troops to be merely _deserters_.
This indicates an awful state of things, the enemy being convinced that
we are beaten, demoralized, etc.

There was a communication for the Secretary this morning, from
"headquarters;" but being marked "confidential," I did not open it, but
sent it to Gen. Breckinridge.

Pickett's division has been marching for Petersburg all the morning.

MARCH 27TH.--Bright, calm, but cold,--my disorder keeping me at home.

The dispatch of Gen. Lee, I fear, indicates that our late attempt to
break the enemy's lines was at least prematurely undertaken.

The _Dispatch_ newspaper has an article entreating the people not to
submit "_too hastily_," as in that event we shall have no benefit of t