is morning,
very erect, having heard of Lieut. McNeill's exploit.

Another dispatch from Gen. Lee says detachments of Gen. Vaughan's
cavalry a few days ago captured two of the enemy's posts in Tennessee
beyond Knoxville, with 60 prisoners, horses, etc.

The following letter from Gen. Lee, on the subject of putting negroes
into the army, clearly defines his views on that important subject:

"HEADQUARTERS CONFEDERATE STATES ARMIES,

"February 18th, 1865.

"HON. E. BARKSDALE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, RICHMOND.

"SIR:--I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter
of the 12th inst., with reference to the employment of negroes as
soldiers. I think the measure not only expedient, but necessary.
The enemy will certainly use them against us if he can get
possession of them; and as his present numerical superiority will
enable him to penetrate many parts of the country, I cannot see the
wisdom of the policy of holding them to await his arrival, when we
may, by timely action and judicious management, use them to arrest
his progress. I do not think that our white population can supply
the necessities of a long war without overtaxing its capacity and
imposing great suffering upon our people; and I believe we should
provide resources for a protracted struggle--not merely for a
battle or a campaign.

"In answer to your second question, I can only say that, in my
opinion, the negroes, under proper circumstances, will make
efficient soldiers. I think we could at least do as well with them
as the enemy, and he attaches great importance to their assistance.
Under good officers, and good instructions, I do not see why they
should not become soldiers. They possess all the physical
qualifications, and their habits of obedience constitute a good
foundation for discipline. They furnish a more promising material
than many armies of which we read in history, which owed their
efficiency to discipline alone. I think those who are employed
should be freed. It would be neither just nor wise, in my opinion,
to require them to serve as slaves. The best course to pursue, it
seems to me, would be to call for such as are willing to come with
the consent of their owners. An impressment or draft would not be
likely to bring out the best class, and the use of coercion would
mak