December 9th.—Cold and cloudy; surface of the ground frozen.
Cannon heard below. More of Gen. Early’s corps arriving. The papers contradict the report that Howlett’s Battery has been taken. The opinion prevails that a battle will occur to-day.
It appears that but few of the enemy’s forces were engaged in the demonstration on the south side, below Drewry’s Bluff, and no uneasiness is felt on account of it.
We have nothing so far to-day from the enemy’s column marching toward Weldon.
Gov. Smith, in his message to the Legislature now in session, recommends the employment of negro troops, even if it results in their emancipation. He also suggests an act, putting into the army civil officers of the State under forty-five years of age. At the same time he is exempting officers (State) under forty-five, and there is no compulsion on him.
A dispatch from Gen. Lee last night states that from the great number of wagons taken by the enemy on the Weldon Road, the movement is formidable, and indicates a purpose of prolonged operations.
At night—and snowing—a terrible night for the poor soldiers in the field!
