October 15th.—A bright and glorious day—above.
All was quiet yesterday below, indicating that the enemy suffered severely in the last assault on our lines.
But we have nothing from Georgia. From the Valley, our cavalry had the misfortune to lose eleven guns by indiscreetly venturing too far in pursuit.
And the news from the United States indicates that Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana have gone for the Republican candidates. This foreshadows Lincoln’s re-election, and admonishes us to prepare for other campaigns, though languishing for peace.
The farmers are now pouring in to replenish the armies, under the recent order revoking the details of agriculturists; and these are fine-looking men, and there will soon be successes in the field. Lately the indulgence of details to an immoderate extent, and corruption in the business of conscription, had depleted the armies extensively of men of substance and standing, and this may account for our disasters. Men, to fight well, must have something to fight for.
Gen. Price, at the head of 20,000 men, is in Missouri. To expel him, many troops will be required; and this may relieve us a little in the East.
My wife lost her purse in market this morning, before making any purchases; it contained $22 and her eye-glasses. I don’t think there are any pickpockets except the extortioners.
