December 15th.–Cloudy and cool.
A dispatch from the West states that the enemy have made a heavy raid from Bean’s Station, Ky., cutting the railroad between Abingdon and Bristol, destroying government stores, engines, etc. Breckinridge and Vaughan, I suppose, have been ordered away. Dr. Morris, Telegraph Superintendent, wants to know of the Secretary if this news shall be allowed to go to the press.
The President is ill, some say very ill, but I saw indorsements with his own hand on the 13th (day before yesterday).
Our affairs seem in a bad train. But many have unlimited confidence in Gen. Beauregard, who commands in South Carolina and Georgia, and all repose implicit trust in Lee.
A writer in the Sentinel suggests that if we should be hard pressed, the States ought to repeal the old Declaration of Independence, and voluntarily revert to their original proprietors–England, France, and Spain, and by them be protected from the North, etc. Ill-timed and injurious publication!
A letter from G. N. Sanders, Montreal, Canada E., asks copies of orders (to be certified by Secretary of War) commanding the raid into Vermont, the burning, pillaging, etc., to save Lieut. Young’s life. I doubt if such written orders are in existence–but no matter.
It is said the enemy have captured Fort McAlister, Savannah Harbor.
Mr. Hunter is very solicitous about the President’s health–said to be an affection of the head; but the Vice-President has taken his seat in the Senate.
It was rumored yesterday that the President would surely die,– an idle rumor, perhaps. I hope it is not a disease of the brain, and incurable.