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."
