February 8th.—Rained all day yesterday—slush—bright this morning and cool—ground still covered with snow. It is reported by Gen. Lee that the losses on both sides on Monday were light, but the enemy have established themselves on Hatcher’s Run, and intrenched; still menacing the South Side Railroad. It is also said fighting was going on yesterday afternoon, when the dreadful snow and sleet were enough to subdue an army!
We have nothing from Charleston or Branchville, but the wires are said to be working to Augusta.
A deficiency of between $300,000,000 and $400,000,000 has been discovered in the amount of our indebtedness! the present Secretary being led into the error by the estimates of his predecessor, Memminger. Congress is elaborating a bill, increasing taxation 100 per cent! An acquaintance, who has 16 acres near the city, says he will sell, to escape a tax of $5000.
Senator Brown, of Mississippi, has introduced a resolution for the employment of 200,000 negroes, giving them their freedom.
Gen. Kemper is strongly recommended as Assistant Secretary of War.
The wounded are still coming in from the fight beyond Petersburg. Horrible weather, yesterday, for fighting—and yet it is said much of it was done.
Vice-President Stephens was in the department to-day. He has a ghostly appearance. He is announced to speak in Richmond to-morrow; but I believe he starts for Georgia to-day. He may publish a letter. He had a long interview with Judge Campbell—with locked doors.
Twelve M. The sun is melting the snow rapidly.
The Legislature of Virginia has passed resolutions in favor of the restoration of Gen. J. E. Johnston to a command. What will the President do, after saying he should never have another command?
Intelligence was received to-day of the sudden death of Brig.Gen. Winder, in Georgia; from apoplexy, it is supposed. He was in command of the prisons, with his staff of “Plug Uglies” around him, and Cashmeyer, their sutler.
“Headquarters Army Of Northern Virginia,
“February 6th, 1865.
“General S. Cooper.
“The enemy moved in strong force yesterday to Hatcher’s Run. Part of his infantry, with Gregg’s cavalry, crossed and proceeded on the Vaughan Road—the infantry to Cattail Creek, the cavalry to Dinwiddie Court House, when its advance encountered a portion of our cavalry, and retreated.
“In the afternoon, parts of Hill’s and Gordon’s troops demonstrated against the enemy on the left of Hatcher’s Run, near Armstrong’s Mill. Finding him intrenched, they were withdrawn after dark. During the night, the force that had advanced beyond the creek retired to it, and were reported to be recrossing.
“This morning, Pegram’s division moved down the right bank of the creek to reconnoiter, when it was vigorously attacked. The battle was obstinately contested several hours, but Gen. Pegram being killed while bravely encouraging his men, and Col. Hoffman wounded, some confusion occurred, and the division was pressed back to its original position. Evans’s division, ordered by Gen. Gordon to support Pegram’s, charged the enemy and forced him back, but was, in turn, compelled to retire. Mahone’s division arriving, the enemy was driven rapidly to his defenses on Hatcher’s Run.
“Our loss is reported to be small; that of the enemy not supposed great.
“R. E. Lee.”
