February 16th.—Cloudy; rained yesterday and last night. We have no important news from South Carolina, except the falling back toward Columbia of our troops; I suppose before superior numbers. Branchville is evacuated.
The roads will not admit of much movement in the field for some days. But pretty heavy cannonading is heard down the river. Congress did nothing yesterday; it is supposed, however, that the bill recruiting negro troops will pass—I fear when it is too late. Meantime the President is as busy as a bee making appointments and promotions, and many meritorious men are offended, supposing themselves to be overslaughed or neglected.
The published letter taking leave of Mr. Secretary Seddon rasps Congress severely, and is full of professions of esteem, etc. for the retiring Secretary. The members of Congress reply with acrimony.
The quartermaster at Charlotte, N. C., dispatches the Secretary of War that he has there some millions in specie, government funds, besides specie of the banks for safe keeping. He also desires the removal of the “Foreign Legion” there, paroled prisoners taken from the enemy and enlisting in our service. They are committing robberies, etc.
I saw Gen. Lee at the department again this morning. He seems vigorous, his face quite red, and very cheerful. He was in gray uniform, with a blue cloth cape over his shoulders.
Exchange of prisoners has been resumed, and many of our men are returning from captivity. Gen. Grant has the matter under his control.
Gen. Pillow has been appointed commander of prisons in place of Gen. Winder, deceased.
Only 4 ⅝ pounds bacon were issued as meat ration to detailed men this mouth.
I learn that some 2000 of our men, confined at Point Lookout, Md., as prisoners of war, during the last two months, offered to take the oath of allegiance, which was refused, because it would reduce the number to exchange.
By the last flag of truce boat a negro slave returned. His master took the oath, the slave refused. He says “Massa had no principles.”
