by John Beauchamp Jones
JANUARY 23D.—The Secretary of War has authorized Mr. Boute, President of the Chatham Railroad, to exchange tobacco through the enemy’s lines for bacon. And in the West he has given authority to exchange cotton with the enemy for meat. It is supposed certain men in high position in Washington, as well as the military authorities, wink at this traffic, and share its profits. I hope we may get bacon, without strychnine.
Congress has passed a bill prohibiting, under severe penalties, the traffic in Federal money. But neither the currency bill, the tax bill, nor the repeal of the exemption act has been effected yet, and the existence of the present Congress shortly expires. A permanent government is a cumbersome one.
The weather is fine, and I am spading up my little garden.
