very well; and if his lady (to whom he introduced us
all) had not been so close (at his elbow), I might have assigned the
cause. When we parted, he said, "_We_ have met before." Mrs. Davis was
in black--for her father. And many of the ladies were in mourning for
those slain in battle.

Gen. Lee has published the following to his army:

"HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,

"January 22d, 1864.

"GENERAL ORDERS NO 7.

"The Commanding General considers it due to the army to state that
the temporary reduction of rations has been caused by circumstances
beyond the control of those charged with its support. Its welfare
and comfort are the objects of his constant and earnest solicitude;
and no effort has been spared to provide for its wants. It is hoped
that the exertions now being made will render the necessity but of
short duration: but the history of the army has shown that the
country can require no sacrifice too great for its patriotic
devotion.

"Soldiers! you tread, with no unequal steps, the road by which your
fathers marched through suffering, privation, and blood to
independence!

"Continue to emulate in the future, as you have in the past, their
valor in arms, their patient endurance of hardships, their high
resolve to be free, which no trial could shake, no bribe seduce, no
danger appal: and be assured that the just God, who crowned their
efforts with success, will, in His own good time, send down His
blessings upon yours.

"(Signed) R. E. LEE, _General_."

An eloquent and stirring appeal!

It is rumored that the writ of _habeas corpus_ has been suspended--as
the President has been allowed to suspend it--by Congress, in secret
session. But Congress passed a resolution, yesterday, that after it
adjourns on the 18th February, it will assemble again on the first
Monday in May.

Mr. Lyons, chairman of the Committee on Increased Compensation to the
civil officers, had an interview with the Secretary of War yesterday.
The Secretary told him, it is said, that unless Congress voted the
increase, he would take the responsibility of ordering them rations,
etc. etc. And Mr. Smith, of North Carolina, told me, to-day, that
something would be done. He it was who moved to lay the bill on the
table. He said it would have been defeated, if the vote had been taken
on the bill.

Gov. Smith sent to the Leg