ling back
toward Columbia of our troops; I suppose before superior numbers.
Branchville is evacuated.

The roads will not admit of much movement in the field for some days.
But pretty heavy cannonading is heard down the river.

Congress did nothing yesterday; it is supposed, however, that the bill
recruiting negro troops will pass--I fear when it is too late.

Meantime the President is as busy as a bee making appointments and
promotions, and many meritorious men are offended, supposing themselves
to be overslaughed or neglected.

The published letter taking leave of Mr. Secretary Seddon rasps Congress
severely, and is full of professions of esteem, etc. for the retiring
Secretary. The members of Congress reply with acrimony.

The quartermaster at Charlotte, N. C., dispatches the Secretary of War
that he has there some millions in specie, government funds, besides
specie of the banks for safe keeping. He also desires the removal of the
"Foreign Legion" there, paroled prisoners taken from the enemy and
enlisting in our service. They are committing robberies, etc.

I saw Gen. Lee at the department again this morning. He seems vigorous,
his face quite red, and very cheerful. He was in gray uniform, with a
blue cloth cape over his shoulders.

Exchange of prisoners has been resumed, and many of our men are
returning from captivity. Gen. Grant has the matter under his control.

Gen. Pillow has been appointed commander of prisons in place of Gen.
Winder, deceased.

Only 4-5/8 pounds bacon were issued as meat ration to detailed men this
month.

I learn that some 2000 of our men, confined at Point Lookout, Md., as
prisoners of war, during the last two months, offered to take the oath
of allegiance, which was refused, because it would reduce the number to
exchange.

By the last flag of truce boat a negro slave returned. His master took
the oath, the slave _refused_. He says "Massa had no principles."

FEBRUARY 17TH.--Frosty morning, after a rain last night.

We have no authentic war news this morning, from any quarter.

Congress is at work in both Houses on the Negro bill. It will pass, of
course, without some unforeseen obstacle is interposed.

A letter from Gen. Lee to Gen. Wise is published, thanking the latter's
brigade for resolutions recently adopted, declaring that they would
consent to gradual emancipation for the sake of independence and peace.
This is a strong indication (confirmatory) that Gen. Lee is