e _Examiner_, is dead.

The following dispatch from Gen. Lee is just (10 A.M.) received:

"HEADQUARTERS, April 1st, 1865.

"HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT DAVIS.

"Gen. Beauregard has been ordered to make arrangements to defend
the railroad in North Carolina against Stoneman. Generals Echols
and Martin are directed to co-operate, and obey his
orders. R. E. LEE."

A rumor (perhaps a 1st of April rumor) is current that a treaty has been
signed between the Confederate States Government and Maximilian.

APRIL 2D.--Bright and beautiful. The tocsin was sounded this morning at
daybreak, and the militia ordered to the fortifications, to relieve some
regiments of Longstreet's corps, posted on this side of the river. These
latter were hurried off to Petersburg, where a battle is impending, I
suppose, if not in progress.

A street rumor says there was bloody fighting yesterday a little beyond
Petersburg, near the South Side Road, in which Gen. Pickett's division
met with fearful loss, being engaged with superior numbers. It is said
the enemy's line of intrenchments was carried once or twice, but was
retaken, and remained in their hands.

I hear nothing of all this at the department; but the absence of
dispatches there is now interpreted as bad news! Certain it is, the
marching of veteran troops from the defenses of Richmond, and replacing
them hurriedly with militia, can only indicate an emergency of alarming
importance. A decisive struggle is probably at hand--and may possibly be
in progress while I write. Or there may be nothing in it--more than a
precautionary concentration to preserve our communications.

Mrs. Davis sold nearly all her movables--including presents--before
leaving the city. She sent them to different stores.

An intense excitement prevails, at 2 P.M. It pervaded the churches. Dr.
Hoge intermitted his services. Gen. Cooper and the President left their
respective churches, St. James's and St. Paul's. Dr. Minnegerode, before
dismissing his congregation, gave notice that Gen. Ewell desired the
local forces to assemble at 3 P.M.--and afternoon services will not be
held. The excited women in this neighborhood say they have learned the
city is to be evacuated to-night.

No doubt our army sustained a serious blow yesterday; and Gen. Lee may
not have troops sufficient to defend both the city and the Danville Road
at the same time.

It