d from the service, and only 7600 have died.
At present there are 10,000 in the hospitals. There is not so much
sickness this year as there was last, nor is it near so fatal.

Many of the Northern papers seem to dissent from the policy of Lincoln's
proclamation, and _hope_ that evil consequences may not grow out of it.
But how can it be possible for the people of the North to submit to
martial law? The government which directs and enforces so obnoxious a
tyranny cannot be sure of its stability. And when the next army of
invasion marches southward, it will be likely to have enemies in its
rear as well as in its front. The _Tribune_ exclaims "God bless Abraham
Lincoln." Others, even in the North, will pray for "God to ---- him!"

SEPTEMBER 30TH.--Lincoln's proclamation was the subject of discussion in
the Senate yesterday. Some of the gravest of our senators favor the
raising of the _black flag_, asking and giving no quarter hereafter.

The yellow fever is raging at Wilmington, North Carolina.

The President, in response to a resolution of inquiry concerning Hyde,
the agent who procured a substitute and was arrested for it, sent
Congress a letter from the Secretary of War, stating that the action of
Gen. Winder had not been approved, and that Mr. Hyde had been
discharged. The Secretary closes his letter with a _sarcasm_, which, I
think, is not his own composition. He asks, as martial law is still
existing, though the writ of _habeas corpus_ is not suspended, for
instructions as to the power of the military commander, Winder, to
_suppress tippling shops_! Several members declared that martial law
existed in this city without any constitutional warrant. There is much
bad feeling between many members and the Executive.

No fighting has occurred on the Peninsula, and I believe Gen. Wise has
returned with his forces to Chaffin's Bluff.

CHAPTER XIX.

McClellan has crossed the Potomac.--Another battle anticipated.--I am
assured here that Lee had but 40,000 men engaged at Sharpsburg.--He
has more now, as he is defending Virginia.--Radicals of the North
want McClellan removed.--Our President has never taken the field.--
Lee makes demonstrations against McClellan.--A Jew store robbed last
night.--We have 40,000 prisoners excess over the enemy.--My family
arrived from Raleigh.--My wife's substitute for coffee.--Foul
passports.--My friend Brooks dines and wines with members of
Con