lish; and have
nothing else. A chicken, I believe, would cost $50. I must be careful
now, and recuperate. Fine weather, and an indulgence of my old passion
for angling, would soon build me up again.

The papers give forth an uncertain sound of what is going on in the
field, or of what is likely to occur. Unless food and men can be had,
Virginia must be lost. The negro experiment will soon be tested. Custis
says letters are pouring in at the department from all quarters, asking
authority to raise and command negro troops: 100,000 recruits from this
source might do wonders.

I think Lee's demonstrations on Grant's front have mainly in view the
transportation of subsistence from North Carolina.

Mrs. President Davis has left the city, with her children, for the
South. I believe it is her purpose to go no farther at present than
Charlotte, N. C.--rear of Sherman. Some of their furniture has been sent
to auction. Furniture will soon be _low_ again.

It is now believed that the government will be removed with all
expedition to Columbus, Ga. But it is said Richmond will still be held
by our army. _Said!_ Alas! would it not be too expensive--"too much for
the whistle?"

Shad are selling at $50 per pair. If Richmond should be left to strictly
military rule, I hope it will rule the prices.

It is reported that Gen. Johnston has fallen back on Weldon; some
suppose to attack _Grant's_ rear, but no doubt it is because he is
pressed by Sherman with superior numbers.

A dispatch from Gen. Lee, to-day, states the important fact that Grant's
left wing (cavalry and infantry) passed Hatcher's Run this morning,
marching to Dinwiddie C. H. The purpose is to cut the South Side and
Danville Roads; and it may be accomplished, for we have "here no
adequate force of cavalry to oppose Sheridan; and it may be possible, if
Sheridan turns his head this way, that shell may be thrown into the
city. At all events, he may destroy some bridges--costing him dear." But
pontoon bridges were sent up the Danville Road yesterday and to-day, in
anticipation, beyond the bridges to be destroyed.

MARCH 30TH.--Raining rapidly, and warm.

Again the sudden change of weather may be an interposition of Providence
to defeat the effort of the enemy to destroy Gen. Lee's communications
with his Southern depots of supplies. I hope so, for faith in man is
growing weaker.

Our loss in the affair of the 25th instant was heavy, and is now
admitted to be a disaste