The following
dispatch from Gen. Lee cheered the city this morning. None of the particulars
of the battle have yet transpired, and all are looking hourly for a renewal of
the contest.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
October 13th, 1864.
Hon.
JAMES A. SEDDON, SECRETARY OF WAR.
At
seven o'clock this morning the enemy endeavored to advance between the
Darbytown and Charles City Roads, but was repulsed in every attempt. The most
strenuous effort was made about four P.M., after which he withdrew, leaving
many dead. Our loss very slight.
Gen.
Breckinridge reports that a force of the enemy came to Greenville on the 12th,
and was defeated by Gen. Vaughan. Some prisoners, two stands of colors, many
horses and arms were captured. The enemy lost many killed and wounded. Our loss
slight.
R. E. LEE, General.
It is now 2 P.M.,
and yet we hear no cannon. If Grant does not renew the strife immediately, it
will be natural to suppose he failed in his purpose yesterday, or that some
unforeseen occurrence within his lines has happened. Be it either, it is a
grateful respite to us.
On the 8th inst.,
Judge Campbell, Assistant Secretary of War, wrote the President a letter in
vindication of P. Hamilton's loyalty. Mr. H. is commissioner under suspension
of the writ of habeas corpus to look into the loyalty of
others, and was appointed on Judge C.'s recommendation. Some private individual
in Mobile wrote the President, impeaching the patriotism of Mr. H., and also
hinted something in relation to the loyalty of Judge C. This matter was shown
to Mr. Seddon by the President, and Mr. S. spoke to Judge C. about it in his
own manner, which produced the letter of Judge C. to the President. The
President sends back the letter to-day, to the “Secretary of War,"
indorsed in substance as follows: “He was surprised to receive such a letter,
when he had intimated no purpose to have the matter investigated.” Judge C. had
procured indorsements of Mr. H. from Alabama, which let the matter out; and
it would have been appropriate—the President uses this word rather
than improper, as he cannot dispense with either the Secretary
or his assistant just now—to have consulted him before taking any steps
whatever in the business. He seems vexed, even at Mr. S.
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