The following official dispatch, from Gen. Lee, was received yesterday:
“Headquarters Armies Confederate States,
“March 20th, 1865.
“Hon. John C. Breckinridge, Secretary of War.
“Gen. J. E. Johnston reports that about 5 p.m. on the 19th inst. he attacked the enemy near Bentonsville, routed him, capturing three guns. A mile in rear, the enemy rallied upon fresh troops, but was forced back slowly until 6 o’clock p.m., when, receiving more troops, he apparently assumed the offensive, which movement was resisted without difficulty until dark. This morning he is intrenched.
“Our loss is small. The troops behaved admirably well.
“Dense thickets prevented rapid operations. R. E. Lee.”
March 22d.—Rained last night; clear and cool this morning. The report of another battle, since Sunday, in North Carolina, is not confirmed.
The “Bureau of Conscription” still lives, notwithstanding the action of Congress! The President himself, who favored its abolition, yet being displeased with some of the details of the act, seems to have finally withheld his approval; and so Col. G. W. Lay, son-in-law of Judge Campbell, is again acting Superintendent. The great weight (wealth) of Gen. Preston perhaps saved it—and may have lost the cause. However, it is again said Judge Campbell will soon retire from office. He considers the cause already lost—the work quite accomplished.
To-day some of our negro troops will parade in the Capitol Square.
The Texas cavalry in Virginia—originally 5000—now number 180!