From the Trans-Mississippi.

Mobile papers, of a recent date, have reliable information that Kirby Smith has twenty-five thousand negro troops armed, equipped and organized under their masters, and operating in the Trans-Mississippi Department. The muster-roll of that Department contains over one hundred thousand names, of which eighty thousand are effective for service.
The Richmond Daily Dispatch: March 21, 1865.

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Parade on the square.

--At half past 4 o'clock this afternoon, Major Chambliss's (Winder and Jackson Hospitals) battalion will parade on Capitol Square. Included in the battalion is a company of negroes, commanded by Captain Grimes, who will also be present and go through the military evolutions. This is the first company of negro troops → which have been raised in Virginia, and was organized about a month ago by Dr. Chambliss from the employees of the hospitals. The men were on the lines during the recent raid.

The ← Negro troops.

--A visit to the rendezvous for colored troops, under the supervision of Majors Turner and Pegram, yesterday afternoon, showed a healthy progress of the cause, and demonstrated the entire feasibility of the scheme. In the large building known as Smith's factory we found a number of colored volunteers, each of whom seemed as happy as larks, and expressed their determination to fight the Yankees to the last. By the direction of Majors Turner and Pegram, these troops have been placed under the drilling management of Lieutenant Virginius Bossieux, and manifest, so far, great proficiency in the art (military manual of arms). As soon as proper equipments can be obtained, it is the purpose of the commanding officers to order a public parade of the troops on the Capitol Square.
The Richmond Daily Dispatch: March 22, 1865.

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The cause Progressing.

--Daily accessions are made to Major Turner's negro troops, now being drilled and organized at Smith's factory, on the corner of Twenty-first and Cary streets, by Lieutenant Virginius Bossieux. At 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon we witnessed a drill at their barracks, and have no hesitation in saying that, for the time they have been at it, as much aptness and proficiency was displayed as is usually shown by any white troops we have ever seen.
The Richmond Daily Dispatch: March 25, 1865.