No doubt Bragg can give the President valuable counsel--nor can there be
any doubt that he enjoys a secret satisfaction in triumphing thus over
popular sentiment, which just at this time is much averse to Gen.
Bragg. The President is naturally a little oppugnant.

He has just appointed a clerk, in the Department of War, a military
judge, with rank and pay of colonel of cavalry--one whom he never saw;
but the clerk once had a street fight with Mr. Pollard, who has
published a pamphlet against the President. Mr. Pollard sees his enemy
with three golden stars on each side of his collar.

The retreat of Sherman seems to be confirmed.

Gen. Beauregard sends the following dispatch:

"CHARLESTON, February 23d--2 15 P.M.

"TO GEN. S. COOPER.

"The latest reports from Gen. Finnegan give no particulars of the
victory at Occum Pond, except that he has taken all of the enemy's
artillery, some 500 or 600 stand of small arms already collected,
and that the roads for three miles are strewn with the enemy's dead
and wounded.

"(Signed) G. T. BEAUREGARD."

The _Examiner_ has the following remarks on the appointment of Bragg:

"The judicious and opportune appointment of Gen. Bragg to the post of
Commander-in-Chief of the Confederate Armies, will be appreciated as an
illustration of that strong common sense which forms the basis of the
President's character, that regard for the opinions and feelings of the
country, that respect for the Senate, which are the keys to all that is
mysterious in the conduct of our public affairs. The Confederate armies
cannot fail to be well pleased. Every soldier's heart feels that merit
is the true title to promotion, and that glorious service should insure
a splendid reward. From Lookout Mountain, a step to the highest military
honor and power is natural and inevitable. Johnston, Lee, and Beauregard
learn with grateful emotions that the conqueror of Kentucky and
Tennessee has been elevated to a position which his superiority
deserves. Finally this happy announcement should enliven the fires of
confidence and enthusiasm, reviving among the people like a bucket of
water on a newly kindled grate."

The day before his appointment, the _Enquirer_ had a long editorial
article denouncing in advance his assignment to any prominent position,
and severely criticised his conduct in the West. To-day _it hails his
appointment as Commander-in-Chief with joy and enthusi