March 10th.—Raining and cold. This is the day appointed by the government for prayer, fasting, etc.; and the departments, shops, etc. are closed. The people, notwithstanding the bad weather, pretty generally proceeded to the churches, which will be open morning, noon, and night, for it is a solemn occasion, and thousands will supplicate Almighty God to be pleased to look upon us with compassion, and aid us, in this hour of extremity, to resist the endeavors of our enemies to reduce us to bondage.
The morning papers contain a dispatch from Lee, giving an account of a successful battle in North Carolina. I append it, as the first success chronicled for a great length of time.
“Headquarters, Etc., March 9th, 1865.
“Hon. J. C. Breckinridge, Secretary of War.
“Gen. Bragg reports that he attacked the enemy, yesterday, four miles in front of Kinston, and drove him from his position. He disputed the ground obstinately, and took up a new line three miles from his first.
“We captured 3 pieces of artillery and 1500 prisoners.
“The number of the enemy’s dead and wounded left on the field is large. Ours comparatively small.
“The troops behaved most handsomely, and Major-Gens. Hill and Hoke exhibited their usual zeal and energy.
“R. E. Lee.”
