JUNE 11th.—Sunshine and cloudy—warmer.
There is a calm in military matters, but a storm is gathering in the valley of Virginia. Both sides are concentrating for a battle. If we should be defeated (not likely), then our communications may be cut, and Grant be under no necessity of fighting again to get possession of Richmond. Meantime it is possible Grant will retire, and come again on the south side of the James River.
Congress is debating a measure increasing the President’s compensation—he cannot subsist on his present salary. Nor can any of us. Mr. Seddon has a large private income, and could well afford to set the patriotic example of working “for nothing.”
We have heard to-day that Lincoln was nominated for re-election at Baltimore on the 7th inst., and gold rose to $196. Fremont is now pledged to run also, thus dividing the Republican party, and giving an opportunity for the Democrats to elect a President. If we can only subsist till then, we may have peace, and must have independence at all events.
But there is discontent, in the Army of the West, with Gen. Johnston, and in the East with Bragg, and among the croakers with the President.
New potatoes sold to-day for $5 per quart, $160 per bushel!
Mr. Rhodes, Commissioner of Patents, told me to-day that Gen. Forrest, at last accounts, was at Tupelo, Miss., doing nothing,—Gen. Wheeler, his junior in years, superior in rank, to whom he is again subordinated by the potency of Gen. Cooper’s red tape, having most of his men.
Robert Tyler has been with the Departmental Battalion at Bottom’s Bridge, doing service as a private, though the head of a bureau.
This evening at 7 o’clock we heard artillery in the direction of Lee’s army.