Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1865-02-15

offices citizens Of their respective States, the
balance of Us now have but little doubt that
the large majority Of the people of this State have
made up their minds to vote for Convention, II
that question shall be submitted to them. hope,
therefore, that the Legislature before adjournng
will submit that question to them. I think in such
times of trouble and peril the Legislature should
retain the power by adjournment from time to time,
over their sessions. have ever been opposed to
the one man power, believing there is moro safety
in a multitude of counselors than in one"
Fight near Petersburg..-Oi6c i6cial FROM Gen. Lee.
The following despatch was received in Richmond
on the 7th: n.; .. ...s
To Gen. s. Cooper: The enemy moved in strong
force yesterday, to H,tchsr's Run. Part of his in
Vaughans road with his infantry to Cat Tail creek,
and with bis cavalry to D,nwiddie O. H where its
advance encountered Horton with our cavalry, and
retired in the afternoon. Part of Hills and Cor
don's troops, demonstrated against tho enemy on
the left Of Hatchers Run, near Armstrong; Mil;
finding him entrenched, they withdrew after dark.
During the night the force that had advanced
beyond the creek returned to it. and were reported
to be re-crossing this morning. Pegram's division
moved down the right bank Of the creek to recon-
noitre, when it was vigorously attacked, and the
battle was obstinatey contested several hours but
Gen. Peg-am, being killed, while bravsly encour.
aging his men, and COL Hoffman, wounded, some
confusion occurred and the division was pressed
back to its original position. Evans division was
ordered by Gen. Gordon, to support Gen Pegram.
They charged the enemy and forced him hack; but
in turn, were compelled to retire. Mshones dvi-
sion arriving, the enemy was driven rapidly to his
de:enses at Hatcher run. Our loss reported small
that Of the enemy not supposed great
Signed R e. LEE, Gen.
An accompanying telegram, of the 7th says that
during reconnaissance Of Pegram's division on the
9th, Monday, to Hatchers run, the enemy attacked
and drove him back. He was reinforced by Cen
eral Gordon's Division, when in turn the enc.
my was forced back. The enemy being reinforced
attacked and drove our men, until being strength
ened by Mahonss Division, commanded by Gen.
Finnegan, . grand charge by the three divisions
was made and the enemies's lines broken. A run
ming fight YVES kept up until after oark, when the
Yankees took shelter in their now works on Hatch
er's Run, from which they we're not d:iven. Gen.
John Pegram Was killed. Many os the enemy
killed and wounded, and few taken prisoners
Our loss was several hundred.
On Tuesday morning the enemy advanced and
charged our lines south Of Burgess Mills, but were
handsomely rspulsed Gen. Sorrsl of Ga, WAS
painfully wounded in . charge upon the enemy
Heavy firing was heard late that afternoon in the
same direction. Cause unexplained
War Meeting in Richmond.
I In pursua nee Of call Gov. Smith addressed an
immense public meeting Monday night in the Afti.
the last one invoking the aid of Almighty God and
renewing the pledge of themselves, their fortunes
and sscr ed honor to the cause Of Southern indepsn
| dence.
| President Davis addressed the meeting for about
half an hour. He said he was rejoiced to witness
this demonstration and expressed his belief that il
the people would give hearty, unanimous response
to the demands Of the present exigency, the enemy
would next ask for . conference in which to make
known our demands. His life was boudd up in the
| Coufedsracy; under no circumstances would he b.
again for reconstruction and union. The President
was frequently interrupted with enthusiastic cheer
| ing.
| Several other addresses were delivered A call
for another mass. meeting, for Thursday, has beer
published. Weather very inclement Tuesday and
| the ground covered with snow and slest.
| Confederate Congress.
On Monday the Senate adopted tho resolution ol
thanks to Capt Semmes, his officers and crew, fol
the victory over the enemys steamer Hatteras, for
long and arduOus cruises in tho pursuit OF and de-
struct:on of the eaemy's property.
The negro bill was further discussed the HOus,
amendment leaving the number of slaves to be i'm
pressed into the service underlined. Agreed to-1i
to g. After executive, session, the Senate ad
journed. q. -. .#. re-. :.
| In the House, resolutions were unanimously
adopted inviting the Commissioners to address thu
members Of Congress and citizens, on Capito
Square. 81 ~"
Mr.. Moore offered . resolution directing the Com
mittee on Military Affairs to inquire into the expo
diency of investing the President with power to cal
into the service all able bodied male negroes in th'
Confederate Sates to be used IS be may think best
to aid in the military defence Of our country. Th'
motion to lay them on the table-negaiivsd 80 e
| 80. The resolution was then adopted.
Mr.. Chambers resolution of enquiry, whether
the Confederate government has the night to pur
chase slaves Is soldiers and offer them freedom, Wal
| tabled The House then went into secret session
| On Tuesday in the Senate Mr.. Brown submitted
the following resolution: -.a.f. ..- .
Resolped, That the Committee on Military Affair
be instructed to report bill with the least practi
cable delay to take into tho military service of thu
Confederate States number Of negro soldiers, NOT
to exceed two hundred thousand, BY voluntary en-
listment with the consent of their masters, or By
conscription, as may be found necessary; and, ths
the Committee provide in said BILL for enancpatinl
said negroes in s cases. where they prove loyal ane
true to the end Of the war; and for immediate pay
ment under proPr restrictions Of their present val
! ue to their owners 49,. ...:-- :
| Mr.. Brown said he introduced this resolution Il
show, that in his opinion, the time had come whet
.. & ~ T. .HH .