The news.
We have nothing of importance to notice on the lines in front of Richmond and Petersburg. There has been some shelling at Petersburg, and very heavy picket firing during each night. --Grant's troops have been in motion during the early part of the week. The impression was that he was shifting much of his army to the north side of the James. If he did so he has made no demonstration with them.Sheridan is reported to have left the country north of Richmond, and retreated in the direction of the Old Church, in Hanover, and the White House. We learn that the damage done by him to the James River Canal is much exaggerated in his report to Grant. This was to have been expected. There are matters of interest connected with Sheridan's movements which we might state, but for the fear of giving to the enemy some desired information which they cannot otherwise obtain. We feel that we cannot be too cautious in this respect.
From Sherman.
From Sherman we have nothing. We have no official intelligence of any kind from North Carolina. There are rumors in plenty, but they are not worth repeating.
Congressional.
The House of Representatives on Wednesday, in pursuance of the suggestion of the President, passed a bill suspending the writ of habeas corpus, which the Senate on yesterday refused to pass, by a vote of nine to six.Both Houses have passed resolutions fixing Saturday as the day of adjournment.
