It is believed (by some credulous people) that Gen. J. E. Johnston will command the army in Virginia, and that Lee will reside here and be commander-in-chief. I doubt. The clamor for Gen. J. seems to be the result of a political combination.
Mr. Hunter came to the department to-day almost in a run. He is excited.
Lieut.-Gen. Hardee, of Charleston, 26th (yesterday), dispatches to the Secretary that he has received an order from Gen. Cooper (Adjutant-General) for the return of the 15th Regiment and 10th Battalion North Carolina troops to North Carolina. He says these are nearly the only regular troops he has to defend the line of the Combahee—the rest being reserves, disaffected at being detained out of their States. The withdrawal may cause the loss of the State line, and great disaster, etc. etc.
Official statement of Gen. Hood’s losses shows 66 guns, 13,000 small arms, etc. The report says the army was saved by sacrificing transportation; and but for this the losses would have been nothing.
January 28th.—Clear and very cold; can’t find a thermometer in the city.
The President did sign the bill creating a general-in-chief, and depriving Gen. Bragg of his staff.
Major-Gen. Jno. C. Breckinridge has been appointed Secretary of War. May our success be greater hereafter!
Gen. Lee has sent a letter from Gen. Imboden, exposing the wretched management of the Piedmont Railroad, and showing that salt and corn, in “immense quantity,” have been daily left piled in the mud and water, and exposed to rain, etc., while the army has been starving. Complaints and representations of this state of things have been made repeatedly.
Gold sold at $47 for one at auction yesterday.
Mr. Hunter was seen early this morning running (almost) toward the President’s office, to pick up news. He and Breckinridge were old rivals in the United States.