I have never had a fear, however, for the result.
Since you left Atlanta no very great progress has been made here.
The enemy has been closely watched, though, and prevented from detaching against you.

I think not one man has gone from here, except some twelve or fifteen hundred dismounted cavalry.

Bragg has gone from Wilmington.

I am trying to take advantage of his absence to get possession of that place.

Owing to some preparations Admiral Porter and General Butler are making to blow up Fort Fisher (which, while hoping for the best, I do not believe a particle in), there is a delay in getting this expedition off.