The news.
All was quiet yesterday on the Richmond and Petersburg lines. The troops of the two armies have as much as they can do to keep from freezing. Field operations are out of the question.There comes to us a report from Petersburg that a column of the enemy, ten thousand strong, is moving up the Chowan river, with the design of striking the railroad at Weldon. Nothing confirmatory of this report has been received at headquarters here.
Rosser's cavalry are said to have had a slight skirmish with Sheridan's men, on last Monday morning, near Edingburg, in the Valley, during which the enemy were driven back beyond Woodstock.
We mentioned some time since that General Hood had been relieved of the command of the Army of Tennessee, and superseded by General Dick Taylor. General Taylor's command of the army is believed to be only temporary. In taking leave of the army, General Hood issued the following address:
"Headquarters Army Tennessee,
At my request, I have this day been relieved from the command of this army."In taking leave of you, accept my thanks for the patience with which you have endured your hardships during the recent campaign.
"I am alone responsible for its conception, and strove hard to do my duty in its execution.
"I urge upon you the importance of giving your entire support to the distinguished soldier who now assumes command, and I shall look with deep interest upon all your future operations and rejoice at your success.
It was said yesterday, by persons who, from their position, should know these things, that General Breckinridge had been appointed Secretary of War, and that the Senate on yesterday confirmed the appointment. Mr. Seddon was still at his post last night.
Mr. Wigfall, yesterday, introduced in the Confederate Senate a resolution instructing the Judiciary Committee to inquire into the expediency of abolishing all laws authorizing impressment except by military officers in cases of absolute necessity; and of paying market price for all property impressed by the military. The resolution is based upon the belief that there is an abundance in the country for the uses of the armies, but that it can only be made available by the Government entering the market and paying a fair value for what it purchases.
Gold sold yesterday at Davenport & Co.'s auction at forty seven--at the same time could be bought, and was bought, privately at forty five. Some of the knowing ones made a good thing by buying privately and selling at the auction.
There is a report that Mr. Blair will be in this city again in a few days.
