ld by them for twenty-five cents.
These are mere slips of paper, seldom containing more than a
column--which is reproduced in the next issue. The _matter_ of the
extras is mostly made up from the Northern papers, brought hither by
persons running the blockade. The supply is pretty regular, and dates
are rarely more than three or four days behind the time of reception. We
often get the first accounts of battles at a distance in this way, as
our generals and our government are famed for a prudential reticence.
When the Northern papers simply say they have gained a victory, we
rejoice, knowing their Cretan habits. The other day they announced, for
European credulity, the capture and killing of 40,000 of our men: this
staggered us; but it turned out that they did capture 700 of our
stragglers and 2000 wounded men in field hospitals. _Now_ they are under
the necessity of admitting the truth. Truth, like honesty, is always the
best policy.

OCTOBER 2D.--News from the North indicate that in Europe all expectation
of a restoration of the Union is at an end; and the probability is that
we shall soon be recognized, to be followed, possibly, by intervention.
Nevertheless, we must rely upon our own strong arms, and the favor of
God. It is said, however, an iron steamer is being openly constructed in
the Mersey (Liverpool), for the avowed purpose of opening the blockade
of Charleston harbor.

Yesterday in both Houses of Congress resolutions were introduced for
the purpose of retaliating upon the North the barbarities contemplated
in Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.

The Abolitionists of the North want McClellan removed--I hope they may
have their will. The reason assigned by his friends for his not
advancing farther into Virginia, is that he has not troops enough, and
the Secretary of War has them not to send him. I hope this may be so.
Still, I think he must fight soon if he remains near Martinsburg.

The yellow fever is worse at Wilmington. I trust it will not make its
appearance here.

A resolution was adopted yesterday in the Senate, to the effect that
martial law does not apply to civilians. But it _has_ been applied to
them here, and both Gen. Winder and his Provost Marshal threatened to
apply it to me.

Among the few measures that may be attributed to the present Secretary
of War, is the introduction of the telegraph wires into his office. It
may possibly be the idea of another; but it is not exactly original; and