they took I know not; but this I know, he has no idea of being taken by
the enemy. And he cannot think the city will be taken, for in that event
it would be difficult for him to escape.

MAY 7TH.--Bright and warm. The following is Gen. Lee's dispatch,
received yesterday morning--the _italics_ not his.

"HEADQUARTERS ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA,

"May 5th, 1864.

"HON. SECRETARY OF WAR.

"The enemy crossed the Rapidan at Ely's and Germania fords. Two
corps of this army moved to oppose him--Ewell by the old turnpike,
and Hill by the plank-road.

"They arrived this morning in close proximity to the enemy's line
of march.

"A strong attack was made upon Ewell, who repulsed it, _capturing
many prisoners and four pieces of artillery_.

"The enemy subsequently concentrated upon Gen. Hill, who, with
Heth's and Wilcox's divisions, _successfully resisted repeated and
desperate assaults_.

"A large force of cavalry and artillery on our right was _driven
back_ by Rosser's brigade.

"By the blessing of God, we maintained our position _against every
effort_ until night, when the contest closed.

"We have to mourn the loss of many brave officers and men. The
gallant Brig.-Gen. J. M. Jones was killed, and Brig.-Gen. Stafford,
I fear, mortally wounded, while leading his command with
conspicuous valor.

"(Signed) R. E. LEE."

A dispatch from Gen. Lee this morning says Hill's corps was thrown into
confusion yesterday by an attack of the enemy when some of the divisions
were being relieved. But afterward we recovered the ground, strewn with
the dead and wounded of the enemy. Then we attacked their whole line,
driving them behind their breastworks. He concludes by thanks for our
ability still to withstand all assaults. No doubt Grant has overwhelming
numbers, and Lee is under the necessity of sparing his men as much as
possible, while his adversary leads into action a succession of fresh
troops. Gen. Longstreet is wounded.

Gen. Beauregard is at Petersburg, charged with the defense of this city
and the railroad. Troops have been marching toward Drewry's Bluff during
the day. If the attack be delayed 24 hours more, we shall be strong
enough to repel even the then greatly superior numbers of the invader.

But there is more anxiety manifested to-day. Senator Hunter and Mr.
Ould, the agent of exchange, have been in the o