February 1.—President Lincoln issued an order for a draft of five hundred thousand men, to serve three years or during the war.—(Doc. 72.) —A fight took place late this afternoon in the New-Creek Valley, Va., between an advancing column of the enemy’s troops and one column of Nationals. After a sharp engagement the rebels were repulsed and driven back over two miles.— A fight took place at Bachelor’s Creek, N. C, between a large force of rebels under the command of Generals Pickett and Hoke, and the Union forces under General J. W. Palmer, resulting in the retreat of the latter with considerable loss in men and material.—(Doc. 69.)
—The blockade-running steamer Wild Dayrell was chased ashore and burned, near Stump Inlet, N. C, by the National gunboat Sassacus, under the command of Lieutenant Commander F. A. Roe.—Admiral Lee’s Report.
