ress--and
directing Gov. Vance to correspond with the Secretary of War on the
subject. This bears an ugly aspect.

Gen. Early's little army is scattered to the winds. Charlottesville has
been in possession of the enemy, but at last accounts Gen. Rosser, in
Sheridan's rear, held it. Sheridan advanced to Scottsville; and is no
doubt still advancing. Lynchburg is rendered unsafe; and yet some of the
bureaus are packing up and preparing to send the archives thither. They
would probably fall into the hands of the enemy.

Gen. Lee is in the city--where there is much confusion of tongues--and
impatient, waiting for the next scene of the drama. If there was to be
concert of action between Grant and Sheridan, probably the copious rains
have prevented it.

Two P.M. There is almost a panic among officials here who have their
families with them, under the belief that the city may be suddenly
evacuated, and the impossibility of getting transportation. I do not
share the belief--that is, that the event is likely to occur
immediately; but if it should occur, I know my wife and children will
remain--for a season. We must "pray that our flight be not in the
winter."

Gen. Lee was closeted with the Secretary of War several hours to-day. It
is reported that Gen. L.'s family are preparing to leave the city.

MARCH 5TH.--Bright and cool; some frost this morning.

I saw an officer yesterday from Early's command. He said the enemy
entered Charlottesville on Friday at half-past two o'clock P.M., between
2000 and 3000 strong, cavalry, and had made no advance at the latest
accounts. He says Gen. Early, when last seen, was flying, and pursued by
some fifteen well-mounted Federals, only fifty paces in his rear. The
general being a large heavy man, and badly mounted, was undoubtedly
captured. He intimated that Early's _army_ consisted of only about 1000
men! Whether he had more elsewhere, I was unable to learn. I have not
heard of any destruction of property by the enemy.

There is still an accredited rumor of the defeat of Sherman. Perhaps he
may have been checked, and turned toward his supplies on the coast.

I learn by a paper from Gen. Gorgas, Chief of Ordnance, that the
machinery of the workshops here is being moved to Danville, Salisbury,
and other places in North Carolina. He recommends that transportation be
given the families of the operatives; and that houses be built for them,
with permission to buy subsistence at government pri