ngstreet, asking that Pickett's Division
be in readiness to join him; also that a brigade of Gen. Buckner's
Division, at Dalton, be sent him at once. He says the force immediately
in front of him consists of the 4th, 11th, 9th, and 23d corps, besides a
large body of cavalry from Middle Tennessee. Gen. Lee says the railroad
from Chattanooga to Knoxville, being about completed, will enable the
enemy to combine on either Johnston or Longstreet. He (Gen. Lee) says,
however, that the 4th and 11th corps are small, and may have been
consolidated; the 23d also is small; but he does not know the strength
of the enemy. He thinks Pickett's Division should be sent as desired,
and its place filled with troops from South Carolina, etc., where
operations will probably soon cease. The Secretary sent this to the
President. The President sent it back to-day, indorsed, "How can
Pickett's Division be replaced?--J. D."

Henley's Battalion returned this evening; and Custis can resume his
school, unless he should be among the list doomed to the rank in the
field, for which he is physically incapable, as Surgeon Garnett, the
President's physician, has certified.

MARCH 5TH.--Clear and pleasant, after a slight shower in the morning.

The raid is considered at an end, and it has ended disastrously for the
invaders.

Some extraordinary memoranda were captured from the raiders, showing a
diabolical purpose, and creating a profound sensation here. The cabinet
have been in consultation many hours in regard to it, and I have reason
to believe it is the present purpose to deal summarily with the captives
taken with Dahlgren, but the "sober second thought" will prevail, and
they will not be executed, notwithstanding the thunders of the press.
Retaliation for such outrages committed on others having been declined,
the President and cabinet can hardly be expected to begin with such
sanguinary punishments when _their own_ lives are threatened. It would
be an act liable to grave criticism. Nevertheless, Mr. Secretary Seddon
has written a letter to-day to Gen. Lee, asking his views on a matter of
such importance as the execution of some _ninety_ men of Dahlgren's
immediate followers, not, as he says, to divide the responsibility, nor
to effect a purpose, which has the sanction of the President, the
cabinet, and _Gen. Bragg_, but to have his _views_, and information as
to what would probably be its effect on the army under his command. We
shall soon know