We are the war.

It saves a great deal of trouble, while it lasts, this childlike confidence; nevertheless, it is our business to educate them to manhood, and I see as yet no obstacle.
As for the rumor, the world will no doubt roll round, whether Burnside is defeated or succeeds.
Christmas Day.
"We'll fight for liberty Till de Lord shall call us home; We'll soon be free Till de Lord shall call us home." This is the hymn which the slaves at Georgetown, South Carolina, were whipped for singing when President Lincoln was elected.

So said a little drummer-boy, as he sat at my tent's edge last night and told me his story; and he showed all his white teeth as he added, "Dey tink _'de Lord'_ meant for say de Yankees." Last night, at dress-parade, the adjutant read General Saxton's Proclamation for the New Year's Celebration.

I think they understood it, for there was cheering in all the company-streets afterwards.

Christmas is the great festival of the year for this people; but, with New Year's coming after, we could have no adequate programme for to-day, and so celebrated Christmas Eve with pattern simplicity.