r ton for hay! Well, we shall soon see
if they be reluctant to pay the taxes soon to be required of
them--one-tenth of all their crops, etc. If they refuse to pay, then
what will they deserve?

APRIL 24TH.--We lost five fine guns and over a hundred men on the
Nansemond; and we learn that more of the enemy's gun-boats and
transports have passed Vicksburg! These are untoward tidings. Gens.
Pemberton and French are severely criticised.

We had a tragedy in the street to-day, near the President's office. It
appears that Mr. Dixon, Clerk of the House of Representatives, recently
dismissed one of his under clerks, named Ford, for reasons which I have
not heard; whereupon the latter notified the former of an intention to
assault him whenever they should meet. About two P.M. they met in Bank
Street; Ford asked Dixon if he was ready; and upon an affirmative
response being given, they both drew their revolvers and commenced
firing. Dixon missed Ford, and was wounded by his antagonist, but did
not fall. He attempted to fire again, but the pistol missed fire. Ford's
next shot missed D. and wounded a man in Main Street, some seventy paces
beyond; but his next fire took effect in Dixon's breast, who fell and
expired in a few moments.

Many of our people think that because the terms of enlistment of so many
in the Federal army will expire next month, we shall not have an active
spring campaign. It may be so; but I doubt it. Blood must flow as freely
as ever!

APRIL 25TH.--We have bad news from the West. The enemy (cavalry, I
suppose) have penetrated Mississippi some 200 miles, down to the
railroad between Vicksburg and Meridian. This is in the rear and east
of Vicksburg, and intercepts supplies. They destroyed two trains. This
dispatch was sent to the Secretary of War by the President without
remark. The _Enquirer_ this morning contained a paragraph stating that
Gen. Pemberton was exchanging civilities with Gen. Sherman, and had sent
him a beautiful bouquet! Did he have any conception of the surprise the
enemy was executing at the moment? Well, Mississippi is the President's
State, and if he is satisfied with Northern generals to defend it, he is
as likely to be benefited as any one else.

Gen. Beauregard is urging the government to send more heavy guns to
Savannah.

I saw an officer to-day just from Charleston. He says none of the
enemy's vessels came nearer than 900 yards of our batteries, and that
the Northern statements ab