P.M.
yesterday. Hill and Hampton [Confederate States generals] are
following. Appearances indicate they are moving against Weldon, where I
am concentrating all the depot guards I can.

"R. E. LEE, _General_.

"PETERSBURG, Dec. 8th, 1864."

There are rumors of the enemy having effected a lodgment on the south
side of the river, between Howell and Drewry's Bluff. This may be
serious. I do not learn (yet) that the Dutch Gap Canal is finished; but
the enemy landed from barges in the fog. Gen. Lee, some weeks ago,
designated such a movement and lodgment as important and embarrassing,
probably involving the holding of Petersburg.

Nothing from Bragg.

One of Gen. Early's divisions is passing through the city toward
Petersburg.

DECEMBER 9TH.--Cold and cloudy; surface of the ground frozen.

Cannon heard below. More of Gen. Early's corps arriving. The papers
contradict the report that Howlett's Battery has been taken. The opinion
prevails that a battle will occur to-day.

It appears that but few of the enemy's forces were engaged in the
demonstration on the south side, below Drewry's Bluff, and no uneasiness
is felt on account of it.

We have nothing so far to-day from the enemy's column marching toward
Weldon.

Gov. Smith, in his message to the Legislature now in session, recommends
the employment of negro troops, even if it results in their
emancipation. He also suggests an act, putting into the army civil
officers of the State under forty-five years of age. At the same time he
is exempting officers (State) _under forty-five_, and there is no
compulsion on him.

A dispatch from Gen. Lee last night states that from the great number of
wagons taken by the enemy on the Weldon Road, the movement is
formidable, and indicates a purpose of prolonged operations.

At night--and snowing--a terrible night for the poor soldiers in the
field!

DECEMBER 10TH.--Snowed two inches last night. Cloudy and damp this
morning.

Guns were heard down the river last night at a late hour. Perhaps it was
nothing more than shelling the enemy's canal.

We have nothing yet authentic from Georgia; but many rumors of much
fighting.

It is said Gen. Hampton has got in front of the enemy's column at the
Weldon Railroad, and is driving them back. Gen. Hill, it is presumed, is
_this_ side of them.

It is also reported that Gen. Longstreet is now (12 M.) attacking the
enemy on _this_ side of the river, and driving them. Distant g