At the conclave of dignitaries, Hunter, Wigfall, and Secretary Seddon, yesterday, it is reported that when Mr. Seddon explained Grant’s zigzag fortifications, Senator Hunter exclaimed he was afraid we could never beat him; when Senator Wigfall said nothing was easier—the President would put the old folks and children to praying at 6 o’clock a.m. Now if any one were to tell these things to the President, he would not believe him.
June 14th.—Clear and cool.
Gen. Grant has changed his base—disappearing from the front of Lee in the night. He is supposed to be endeavoring to get his army below the city, and in communication with Butler on the south side.
A dispatch from Gen. Lee says Gen. Hampton has defeated Sheridan.
Forrest has gained a victory in the West.
Lincoln has been nominated—Andrew Johnson, of Tennessee, for Vice-President.
Gen. Whiting writes that supplies from abroad are coming in abundantly at Wilmington, N. C.
If we can only preserve our communications with the South, I regard the campaign, if not the war, pretty nearly at an end, and Richmond safe! Grant has failed, after doing his utmost to take Richmond. He has shattered a great army to no purpose; while Lee’s army is as strong as ever. This is true generalship in Lee. But Grant can get more men.
June 15th.—Clear and cool; warm late in the day.
It is rumored now that the enemy got to Westtown yesterday, some ten miles below the point on this side occupied by Butler; and to-day he is leaving, either crossing to the south side (probably to cut the railroad), or embarking in his transports for no one knows whither. So, this attempt to take Richmond is as bad a failure as any. Grant has used up nearly a hundred thousand men—to what purpose? We are not injured, after withstanding this blow of the concentrated power of the enemy. It is true some bridges are burned, some railroads have been cut, and the crops in the line of the enemy’s march have been ruined; but our army is intact: Lee’s losses altogether, in killed and wounded, not exceeding a few thousand.