December 8th.—Rained hard in the night; clear and pleasant in the morning.
A letter from John T. Bourne, St. Georges, Bermuda, says he has some 1800 barrels government gunpowder under his care, of which be desires to be relieved.
Gen. Lee sent to the Secretary the following dispatch this morning: “2d and 5th corps, Gregg’s division of [enemy’s] cavalry, are moving South, on Jerusalem Plank Road. Cavalry reached Sussex Court House at 7 P.M. yesterday. Hill and Hampton [Confederate States generals] are following. Appearances indicate they are moving against Weldon, where I am concentrating all the depot guards I can.
“R. E. Lee, General.
“Petersburg, Dec. 8th, 1864”
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There are rumors of the enemy having effected a lodgment on the south side of the river, between Howell and Drewry’s Bluff. This may be serious. I do not learn (yet) that the Dutch Gap Canal is finished; but the enemy landed from barges in the fog. Gen. Lee, some weeks ago, designated such a movement and lodgment as important and embarrassing, probably involving the holding of Petersburg.
Nothing from Bragg.
One of Gen. Early’s divisions is passing through the city toward Petersburg.
