FEBRUARY 3D.—It appears that Gen. Pryor’s force, 1500 strong, was attacked by the enemy, said to be 5000 in number, on the Blackwater. After some shelling and infantry firing, Gen. P. retired some eight miles, and was not pursued. Our loss was only fifty; it is said the enemy had 500 killed and wounded; but I know not how this was ascertained.
Gold in the North now brings 58 1/2cents premium. Exchange sells at $1.75. Cotton at 96 cents per pound!
They are getting up a fine rumpus in the North over the imprisonment of an editor.
To-day, when conversing with Judge Perkins in relation to having a passport system established by law, he admitted the necessity, but despaired of its accomplishment. “For,” said he, “nothing can be done in Congress which has not the sanction of the Executive.” He meant, I thought, from his manner and tone, that the Executive branch of the government was omnipotent, having swallowed up the functions of the other co-ordinate branches. I cannot understand this, for the Executive has but little appointing patronage, the army being completely organized, having supplementary generals, and all officers, under the grade of brigadiers, being promoted as vacancies occur.
