“The latest reports from Gen. Finnegan give no particulars of the victory at Occum Pond, except that he has taken all of the enemy’s artillery, some 500 or 600 stand of small arms already collected, and that the roads for three miles are strewn with the enemy’s dead and wounded.
“(Signed) G. T. Beauregard.”
The Examiner has the following remarks on the appointment of Bragg:
“The judicious and opportune appointment of Gen. Bragg to the post of Commander-in-Chief of the Confederate Armies, will be appreciated as an illustration of that strong common sense which forms the basis of the President’s character, that regard for the opinions and feelings of the country, that respect for the Senate, which are the keys to all that is mysterious in the conduct of our public affairs. The Confederate armies cannot fail to be well pleased. Every soldier’s heart feels that merit is the true title to promotion, and that glorious service should insure a splendid reward. From Lookout Mountain, a step to the highest military honor and power is natural and inevitable. Johnston, Lee, and Beauregard learn with grateful emotions that the conqueror of Kentucky and Tennessee has been elevated to a position which his superiority deserves. Finally this happy announcement should enliven the fires of confidence and enthusiasm, reviving among the people like a bucket of water on a newly kindled grate.”
The day before his appointment, the Enquirer had a long editorial article denouncing in advance his assignment to any prominent position, and severely criticised his conduct in the West. To-day it hails his appointment as Commander-in-Chief with joy and enthusiasm! This reminds one of the Moniteur when Napoleon was returning from Elba. The Enquirer’s notion is to prevent discord—and hence it is patriotic.
The weather is still bright, pleasant, but dusty. We have had only one rain since the 18th of December, and one light snow. My garden is too dry for planting.
We have not only the negroes arrayed against as, but it appears that recruiting for the Federal army from Ireland has been carried on to a large extent.
February 26th.—Cool, bright, but windy and dusty.
Dispatches announce heavy skirmishing in the vicinity of Dalton—and Gen. Johnston’s army was in line of battle. It may be merely a feint of the enemy to aid in the extrication of Sherman.
Gen. Lee is here in consultation with the President. They decided that over 1000 men be transferred from the army to the navy—so that something may be soon heard from our iron-clads.