l get them, in consequence of Johnston's success,
which revives the conviction that Richmond will not be evacuated. But
they have overreached themselves in demanding extortionate prices--such
prices depreciating the currency--$1500 being equivalent to one barrel
of flour! If it be determined to abandon the city, what will houses rent
for then?

Lord Russell's letter, forwarded from Washington some days ago, after
much consultation here, was sent back to Gen. Lee by the Secretary of
State, declining to receive a communication from a neutral power through
a hostile one, and expressing doubts of its _authenticity_. Gen. Lee
returns the papers to-day, suggesting that the expression of doubts of
the _authenticity_ be omitted--but will, at all events, when returned to
him again, have it delivered to Gen. Grant. Mr. Benjamin thinks there is
some occult diplomatic danger in the papers--at least he is idle, and
wants some diplomatic work on his hands, in the regular way. How to
avoid doing anything whatever, diplomatically, with this matter before
him, is the very quintessence of diplomacy! He can look at it, read it,
handle it, and return it to Lord John, and then diplomatically prove
that this government never had any knowledge of its existence!

The following official dispatch, from Gen. Lee, was received yesterday:

"HEADQUARTERS ARMIES CONFEDERATE STATES,

"March 20th, 1865.

"HON. JOHN C. BRECKINRIDGE, SECRETARY OF WAR.

"Gen. J. E. Johnston reports that about 5 P.M. on the 19th inst. he
attacked the enemy near Bentonsville, routed him, capturing three
guns. A mile in rear, the enemy rallied upon fresh troops, but was
forced back slowly until 6 o'clock P.M., when, receiving more
troops, he apparently assumed the offensive, which movement was
resisted without difficulty until dark. This morning he is
intrenched.

"Our loss is small. The troops behaved admirably well.

"Dense thickets prevented rapid operations. R. E. LEE."

MARCH 22D.--Rained last night; clear and cool this morning. The report
of another battle, since Sunday, in North Carolina, is not confirmed.

The "Bureau of Conscription" still lives, notwithstanding the action of
Congress! The President himself, who favored its abolition, yet being
displeased with some of the details of the act, seems to have finally
withheld his approval; and so Col. G. W. Lay, son-in-law of Judge
Campbe