state of affairs.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. W. BATCHFOBD,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE WEST,
Columbia, S. C., February 11, 1865.
Maj. Gen. JOSEPH WHEELER,
Commanding Cavalry :
GENERAL: General Beauregard directs me to say that General
Stevenson has been forced back beyond the North Fork of the Edisto
in the direction of Orangeburg, which would indicate an easterly move
by the enemy, and that the move toward Aiken must be a feint, and
desires that you move, with all the force you can spare, to his support.
Bespect fully, your obedient servant,
JNO. M. OTEY,
Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General.
ORANGEBURG, February 11, 1865 1 p. m.
Major-General WHEELER,
Commanding Cavalry Corps:
GENERAL: The following dispatch has just been received from Gen
eral Hartlee, dated Charleston, February 11, 1805:
Place yourself in comrmmi cation with Wheeler and order him peremptorily to send
cavalry to protect the flanks of Stevenson and McLaws. He telegraphed me yester
day that he had ordered 1,300 cavalry to me, which I hope may yet come.
This dispatch is, I presume, in answer to a dispatch of mine, stating
that only 100 had reported to McLaws and 100 to Stevenson. General
Hardee wishes Col. D. G. White to report to department headquarters
as inspector of cavalry. The enemy have just appeared in front of this
position. They are understood to have crossed at Holman s and Dun
can s Bridges, so it looks as if they were advancing north.
Very respectfully,
W. D. PICKETT,
Lieutenant -Colonel and Inspector- General.
CHAP. LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. CONFEDERATE. 1163
HEADQUARTERS, February 11, 1865 a a. m.
General WHEELER :
i Lave a force of about 3,000 men, including the Georgia militia.
They are located on this side of Big Morse Creek to defend the cross
ing. I will send General J. A. Smith, with Cleburne s division, about
1,000 men, to Graniteville to assist you in protecting that place. I will
be on the road from Augusta to Graniteville. Send all dispatches
through General Jim Smith.
B. F. CHEATHAM,
Major- Genera I.
Watch well to my left Hank. All is open from this road to the river.
1 would like to have ten couriers I will be near Bath Mills during
the morning. You may be able to communicate by telegraph.
BATH MILLS, February 11, 1805.
General WHEELER:
I sent General Smith, in charge of about 1,000 or 1,200 men, to
Graniteville early this morning; I think with his aid you can hold that
place. General Bate, with 700 more, is at Little Horse Creek, seven
miles from Graniteville; I have a brigade at that place.
B. F. CHEATHAM,
Brigadier- General.
AUGUSTA, GA.,
February llj l&fjo 8 a. m.
General WHEELER:
GENERAL : Your telegram of 3.45 p. m. yesterday did not reach me till
2 o clock this morning. 1 hope that you will not depend upon the tele
graph ; tis too uncertain. Two efficient staff officers were at once sent
out to look up the quartermaster and get off the coin. The depot
quartermasters, you know, are always lazy except about a personal
speculation or a sharp operation versus the Government. The corn
has been got off by those staff officers, and not by the other worthy
gentlemen. I fully appreciate the difficulties mentioned by you as
arising from details. This parricidal [practice] breaks up discipline, as
well as weakens your command. I myself saw, with Major Millen,
nearly if not altogether as many men driving cows as there were cows
in the lot. Such ignoble service must destroy the manliness of the
cow drivers. I i egret very much the delay about the corn. I want to
help you all I can. I do trust that you may be able to concentrate and
beat that marauding rascal, Kilpatrick.
D. H. HILL,
Major- General.
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS,
February 11, 1865.
Maj. Gen. D. H. HILL,
Commanding District of Georgia, Augusta:
GENERAL: You told me your orders were to burn the cotton in
Augusta when the enemy had approached to within fifteen miles of the
city. I beg that this may not be done. We would feel very badly to
burn so much cotton if the enemy should not reach the city. I feel
1164 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.
that the spirit of General Beauregard s order could be carried out and
still delay the business until the enemy reaches the river bank at Ham
burg. This certainly could be done if pitch and tar were held in readi
ness to facilitate the burning.
Respectfully, general, your obedient servant,
J. WHEELER,
Major- General, Commanding Cavalry.
GRANITEVILLE, February 11, 1865.
(Received 1 p. m.)
General WHEELER:
A strong infantry force will be here by 2 o clock. I congratulate you
on your success. Many stragglers from your command?
Respectfully,
I). II. HILL,
Major- Gen era L
GRANITEYILLE, February 11, 1865.
(Received 2.30.)
General WHEELER :
I am here with Oleburne s division, Cheatham s corps 5 1,200 men.
Communicate with me.
J. A. SMITH,
Brigadier- General.
GOLDSBOROFGH, February 11, 1865.
(Received 8.40.)
General BRAXTON BRAGG:
(Care General Cooper, Richmond.)
Reliable scouts report live regiments (about 3,000 men) arrived at
Morehead; part have come to New Berne. Large number of negroes
cutting cross-ties. Roads bad at present. This is corroborated by a
lady just come out from New Berne, who says a division had arrived
a day or two after Grant left.
Respectfully,
L. S. BAKER,
Brigadier- General.
MONTGOMERY, ALA., February 11, 1865.
Col. GEORGE WILLIAM BRENT,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Augusta, Ga.:
I fear the removal of headquarters from here immediately after the
transfer of troops to the east will have a depressing effect upon the
country.
J. B. EUSTIS,
Major and Assistant Adjutant- General.
MONTGOMERY, ALA., February 11, 1865.
Col. G. W. BRENT,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Augusta, Ga.:
The quartermaster here reports that it will require six weeks to ship
stores necessary for the use and subsistence of the army, as the mules
CHAP. LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. CONFEDERATE. 1165
will have to wait at Midway for the wagons and the wagons are lightly
it at all loaded. Would it not be better to send them across the
country in view of the delays"? I refer to trains of the army. 1* lease
answer.
J. B. EUSTIS,
Aftsista nt A djutant- General.
[FEBRUARY 12, 1805. For Beauregard to Lee, reporting operations,
tc., see Part 1, p. 1048.]
COLUMBIA, S. C., February 12,
General E. E. LEE, General-in-Chief:
General Butler has several hundred serviceable horses in Lancaster
and Fail-field which can be foraged only about twenty days in recruit
ing camps. General Hampton and myself recommend that they be
brought here for Young s brigade to protect our communication, now
seriously threatened by enemy. Forage is abundant and horses can
be better supplied and cared for here.
G. T. BEAUEEGAED.
COLUMBIA, S. C., February L
General II. E. LEE,
Genera l-in- Chief , Richmond , \ a. :
Dispatch of 8 th just received. General Taylor reported Twenty-third
Coi ps having left Middle Tennessee to join Sherman. Prisoners and
deserters report Nineteenth and Twenty-third with Sherman. Lieuten
ant McAdams just from Savannah reported about 7th instant one
division of Nineteenth Corps formed garrison of that city, but Twenty-
third had not arrived. I have heard nothing more on subject since
leaving Augusta.
G. T. BEAUEEGAED.
COLUMBIA, S. C., February 12,
General E. E. LEE,
General-in-Chief, Richmond, Va. :
1 earnestly recommend, for the good of the service and cause, that
General Hampton be promoted temporarily to command all the cavalry
of this department, which cannot be rendered otherwise as effective as
present emergencies demand. Major General Wheeler, who ranks only
a few days, is a modest, zealous, gallant, and indefatigable officer,
but he cannot properly control and direct successfully so large a corps
of cavalry.
G. T. BEAUEEGAED.
COLUMBIA, S. C., February 1;>, 1865.
General SAMUEL COOPER,
Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.:
Am informed General Itipley is again in Richmond, notwithstanding
repeated orders to join his brigade, now fronting enemy near Augusta.
1 request he be ordered to his post forthwith.
G, T. BEAUEEGAED.
1166 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.
COLUMBIA, S. C., February 12, 1865 9.30 -p. m.
Capt. A. E. CHISOLM:
(Care of Col. T. D. Wagner, Charleston, S. C.)
1 will leave here to-morrow for Charleston.
G. T. BEAUBEGARD.
[FEBRUARY 12 ? 1865. For Hardee to Davis, reporting operations,
&c., see Part 1, p. 1071.]
[FEBRUARY 12, 1865. For Hardee to Cooper, reporting operations,
&c., see Part I, p. 1071.]
COLUMBIA, S. C., February 12, 1865 7 a. m.
Lieut. Gen. W. J. HARDEE,
Commanding Department, Charleston, S. C. :
Be careful enemy do not strike Northeastern Eailroad and bridge by
passing* between Four Hole Swamp and Santee. Guard well that bridge
and crossings of that river.
G. T. BEAUKEGALID.
COLUMBIA. S. C., February 12, 18659 a. m.
Lieut. Gen. W. J. HARDEE,
Commanding Department, Charleston, 8. C. :
You can better judge of the precise moment for commencing the
movement referred to in your telegram of yesterday. I am of opinion
that you have not much time to lose to accomplish it successfully.
G. T. BEAUREGAED.
COLUMBIA, S. C., February 12, 1865 9 a. m.
Lieut. Gen. W. J. HARDEE,
Commanding Department, Charleston, S. C. :
Wheeler reported he had gone toward Augusta in obedience to your
instructions, leaving 1,400 men to support Stevenson and Me Laws.
Former officer reports not having yet seen them. Present management
of the cavalry surpasses my understanding.
G. T. BEAUKEGAKD.
COLUMBIA, S. C., February 12, 1865 10 a. m.
Lieutenant-General HARDEE,
Commanding Department, Charleston, 8. C.:
General Eipley s leave was canceled by War Department. He
ought to be with his command, now fronting enemy near Augusta.
G. T. BEAUliEGAKLX
CHAP. LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. CONFEDERATE. 1167
COLUMBIA, S. C., February 12, 1865 10 a. m.
Lieut. Gen. AY. J. HARDEE,
Commanding Department, Charleston, S. C.:
General Wheeler reports Laving defeated Kilpatrick at Johnson s
Turnout, near Aiken. I shall congratulate him. Keep Colonel Clarke
for present.
G. T. BEAUREGARD.
COLUMBIA, S. C., February 12, 1865 9.02 p. m.
Lieut. Gen. W. J. HARDEE,
Commanding Department, Charleston, #. C. :
General Stevenson informs me he will commence retiring to-night on
Kingsville and this place. You must hold enemy in check behind
Four Hole Swamp and Sandy Run to the Sautee, and effectively guard
crossings of that river to the Wateree, or enemy may reach North
eastern Railroad before your movement shall have been completed;
hence necessity of prompt action on your part. I will leave here
to-morrow, if possible, to join you.
G. T. BEAUREGARI).
COLUMBIA, S. C., February 12, 1865 10 p. m.
Lieut. Gen. W. J. HARDEE,
Commanding Department, Charleston, S. C.:
Have already informed you where Wheeler s cavalry is, in obedience
to your instructions, as he reports. I have ordered him to return, but
you must rely on other arrangements for the protection of the Hank
referred to.
G. T. BEAUREGARD.
CHARLESTON, [February] 12, 1865.
Major-General McLAWS:
In consequence of the movements of the enemy on the coast you will
retire from your position at once, falling back in this direction. Send
what is left of Conner s brigade to this point, and also Fiser s brigade;
cars will be sent to George s Station or any other point you may desig
nate for these troops. Answer.
W. J. HARDEE,
Lieutenant- General.
CHARLESTON, February 12, 1865.
Major General McLAWS:
Plaee Fiser s brigade on the train which has been sent for that pur
pose, and hold it at Ridgeville Station subject to order.
By conmand en Lieutenant-General Hardee:
T. B. ROY r ,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
1168 OPERATIONS IN N, C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.
COLUMBIA, S. C., February 12, 1865 10 a. m.
Major-General STEVENSON,
Orangeburg, AS . C. :
Be careful that no Government stores are lost as you retire. Save
telegraph wire if possible, and destroy roads and bridges as you fall
back.
By order of General Beauregard :
JNO. M. OTEY,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
(Same to Major-General McLaws.)
COLUMBIA, S. C., February 12, 1865.
General STEVENSON,
Orangeburg, 8. C.:
One train now at Kiugsville. Another will be there at 3 p. m.
JNO. M. OTEY,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
COLUMBIA, S. C., February 12, 1865 7.40 p. m.
Major-General STEVENSON,
Kingsville, or farther if not at Kinysville, S. C.:
Guard well the bridge over the Congaree. and destroy it only when
forced to retire.
By command of General Beauregard :
JNO. M. OTEY,
Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General.
ORANGEBURG, February 12, 1865.
(Received 10.35.)
General McLAWS:
Very heavy skirmishing at Shilling s Bridge. The enemy are enga<
ing us at this front with artillery placed in position last night.
C. L. STEVENSON,
Major -General,
ORANGEBURG, February 12, 1865.
(Received 12 o clock.)
General McLAWS:
When I retire from the Edisto I will cross a brigade at Five Notch
crossing at Four Hole Swamp, and order them to Sandy Run to you.
C. L. STEVENSON,
Major -General.
HEADQUARTERS ROWE S BRIDGE, S. C.,
February 12, 1865 12 m.
Major-General McLAWS,
Brancliville, S. C.:
GENERAL : The enemy have made their appearance in my front, driv
ing my vedettes from the river to the works. They are in considerable
CHAP.LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. CONFEDERATE. 1169
force. I caimot tell whether infantry or cavalry they are dismounted
and in the swamp. I think they will attempt a crossing- at this point.
1 will hold them in check as well as I can. When I am driven from the
river I will fall back on the Orangeburg road. \ will dispatch you
when I am driven from river.
I am, general, your obedient servant,
W. W. LILLARD,
Captain, Commanding Detachment Fifth Tennessee Cavalry.
BATTERY BEE, February 12, 1865 9.25 p. m.
Captain PAGE,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Sumter:
Another report just from Anderson vi lie. Twelve vessels of different
kinds are quietly anchored in the bay. Two or three gone in the direc
tion of McClellanville.
RHETT,
Colonel.
BATTERY BEE, February 12, 1$65 1 p. m.
Captain PAGE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. City:
Thirteen steamers arrived in Bull s Bay at 8 o clock this a. m.
BOYLSTOX,
Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.
BATTERY BEE, February 12, 1865 3.30 p. m.
Captain PAGE,
Assistant Adjutant- General , Sumter :
Two or three more steamers have entered Bull s Bay. One in creek
in front of Andersonville and two in lower end of the bay.
BOYLSTOX,
Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
CITY, February 12, 1865 4.30 j>. m.
Lieutenant BOYLSTON,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Battery Bee:
Order Captain Parker s battery back to Andersonville at once.
[P. ST. PAGE.]
HEADQUARTERS,
Charleston, February 12, 1866.
Colonel BLACK,
Commanding First South Carolina Cavalry:
COLONEL : You will march with your command to Holly Hill, a point
northwest of Sandy River, taking the road via Summerville and Ridge-
ville. You will examine the passes of the road through the " by pass, 1
and the crossing of the road through Four Hole Swamp near Doctor
Murray s. You will make your headquarters near Burch s Ford beyond
Holly Hill, and dispose of your command so as to cover any advance
74 R, R VOL XLVII, PT II
1170 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.
of the enemy from the direction of Orangeburg, particularly guarding
the passage of the Five Notch road through the Four Hole Swamp.
You will establish a courier-line from Burch s Ford to George s Sta
tion, and keep me advised of your movements and. dispositions and
those of the enemy. You will also communicate with General McLaws
at Brancliville and with any part of General Stevenson s force that
may fall back toward the Sautec, Four Hole Swamp, or Sandy Kiver.
You will especially observe and report if the enemy seek to strike at
the Santee Elver toward Keysville or Vance s Ferry, and will resist, as
far as you can, any force that you can cope with. Should the telegraph
station at George s Station be interrupted by the threatening of the
enemy you will establish a line of couriers, via Eutaw Spring and Pine-
ville, with Saint Stephen s Depot on the Northeastern Eailroad.
W. B. TALIAFEREO,
Brigadier- General.
CHARLESTON, S. C., February 12, 1865.
Captain PAGE :
See Colonel Black and tell him to send thirty of his men, with a good
commanding officer, to the Sandy Eiver country as ordered, and with
the rest to proceed himself to reconnoiter and hold the country toward
Bull s Bay, passing from Summerville early to-morrow morning to the
first crossing by bridge above Strawberry Ferry, and holding the enemy
in check as tar as he can if he advances toward the Northeastern Kail-
road, and keeping us well advised of the movements of the enemy and
his own, via Monk s Corner.
W. B. TALIAFEEEO,
Brigadier- General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF GEORGIA,
Augusta, February 12, 1865.
General G. T. BEAUREGARD,
Columbia, S. C. :
GENERAL: General Wheeler had quite a handsome affair yesterday
at Aiken with Kilpatrick, driving him some four miles. I went down
on horseback yesterday and returned at 2 o clock last night. Examined,
with General Wheeler, the Yankee position; could ascertain nothing
definite, but was not inclined to think the force large. General W.
seems confident that Twentieth Corps was near Windsor yesterday. I
send you reports of scouts. If no advance be made to-day, or to-mor
row, I think that Cheatham ought to begin his march Tuesday. We
have heard nothing of Sherman s movements since crossing the Edisto.
With great respect,
D. H. HILL,
Major- General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF GEORGIA,
Augusta, February 12, 1865.
General B. F. CHEATHAM,
Commanding Corps :
GENERAL : I have ordered Iverson to send up his Enfields by 2 o clock
train. If you have an ordnance officer here at that hour, you can get
CHAP. LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. CONFEDERATE. 1171
them. I examined, with General Wheeler, the Yankee position four
miles below Aikeri. I was not inclined to think that there was much
force at that point. General Wheeler is confident that Twentieth
Corps was near Windsor.
Respectfully,
D. H. HILL,
Major- General.
HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE WEST,
Columbia, 8. 6 T ., February 12, 1865 10.30 p. m.
Maj. Gen. JOSEPH WHEELER,
Commanding Cavalry :
GENERAL : General Hardee asks for cavalry to guard his right flank,
particularly so much as extends from Sandy Run to the San tee; and
General Beauregard directs that you move as soon as practicable, that
the wishes of Lieutenaut-General Hardee may be carried out.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JKO. M. OTEY,
Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General.
Col. BRENT : Please send to General Wheeler.
J. M. O.
(Sent from Augusta to General Wheeler, February 13, 1865, 1.30
p. m.)
WILMINGTON, February 12, 1865.
Col. H. FORNO,
Columbia :
No force can be spared from this department for the purpose indi
cated.
R. F. HOKE,
Major- General.
FEBRUARY 12, 1865.
Report of a scout.
I proceeded across the Salkehatchie River on the 1st of February,
18(55, near the railroad bridge, and on reaching the river road at
Blountville found the enemy in motion up the river. The column on
this road camped on the night of the 1st about eleven miles north of
Pocotaligo, and remained here until the morning of the 3d; then they
moved and I followed them near Broxton s Bridge, and then hearing
drums to the west, I went off in that direction to the McPhersonville
and Buford s Bridge road. On arriving at said road, about eighteen miles
south of Buford s Bridge (near Richardson s and Bostwick s farms), I
found that about 3,000 of the column advancing up this road filed to
the right and joined the column at Broxton s Bridge. The remainder
of this column camped on this road where the Sister s Ferry road
runs into it, from the night of the 4th to the morning of the 7th, and
then they proceeded on in the direction of the bridge. Here I turned
back, came down the Pocotaligo road, met a supply train of wagons,
with about 60 wagons and 200 guards, at or near Mrs. McBride s farm.
1172 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.
Here I came across the country to the Salkehatchie, and crossed fourteen
miles south of Broxton s Bridge, and joined my brigade at liaysors
Bridge on the night of the 8th. These two columns consisted chiefly
of the Seventeenth and Fifteenth Corps; the Seventeenth near the
river, and in my judgment will number from 12,000 to 15,000 men each.
Prisoners reported they had thirty-one days rations in their wagons,
and they certainly had very heavy trains. All the prisoners were from
the Seventeenth and Fifteenth Corps, save four, and they Avere taken
from a supply train of Kilpatrick s cavalry on the way to Barnwell
Court-House. Prisoners from the Fifteenth Corps stated that they
expected to be re-enforced by the Fourteenth and Twentieth Corps, but
had not been up to the time I left (on the morning of tbe 7th). On this
scout, myself and squad turned over to our brigade provost-guard, 6
Yanks, 2 negroes, and from necessity, after getting a considerable dis
tance up the river, turned over 19 to Colonel , and brought out
5 mules and 1 horse.
Eespectfully,
T. M. PAYSLNGER,
Sergt. 7 Company G, Third South Carolina Regt., Conner s Brigade.
HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE WEST,
Augusta, February 13, 1865.
General G. T. BEATJREGARD,
Columbia j S. C.:
GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
order to direct Major-General Hill to send to Columbia either Stewart s
or Cheatharu s corps as soon as practicable. At present General
Hill deems it impracticable. Two divisions of the Fourteenth Army
Corps encamped last night near Johnson s Turn-Out. An adjutant
and a provost marshal of that corps were taken prisoners. They
report that the Fourteenth Corps marched through Barnwell Courf-
House and struck the railroad about thirty miles from Augusta, and
that the Twentieth Corps was moving on their right. Stewart s
corps has not yet arrived. WalthalPs division will be in to-night. As
soon as Stewart is up I think one of the corps can be spared and will
be put in motion. I have seen nothing yet to induce me to believe that
the enemy is moving this way in force. I have to-day forwarded you
several recommendations made by General Forrest for the promotion of
several officers. Governor Harris is here and requests that you will
remain there until he shall reach Columbia. He will leave to morrow.
A communication of the 6th instant has been received from Brigadier-
General McCoy to Major-General Cobb, stating that there is no enemy
on the west side of the Little Ogeechee. He feels satisfied that there
is no enemy out of Savannah on this side two miles and a half. I will
endeavor, if possible, to obtain and forward General Cooper copy of
the field return of the Army of Tennessee for the 20th July, 1864.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEORGE WM. BRENT,
Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General.
FEBRUARY 13, 18653.30 p. in.
P. S. Since writing the above I have the honor to acknowledge
receipt of order of last night at 10.30 p. m., directing the movement of
Cheatham s corps to Columbia. The order has been given and Cheat-
CHAP. Lix.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. CONFEDERATE. 1173
ham will move at once with five days cooked rations. The order to
General Wheeler has been forwarded to him. He, however, left yes
terday morning for Columbia ; by what authority or under what circum
stances, 1 am not informed. He will no doubt be in communication
with you before the order I have sent can reach him. The last intelli
gence I have is that the enemy has occupied Orangeburg and that he is
advancing in strong force, composed of different arms, on Aiken.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. W. B.,
Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General.
AUGUSTA, February 13, 1865.
Maj. W. CLARE,
Assistant Inspector- General :
MAJOR : General Beauregard directs that you will forthwith proceed
to inquire into the causes at this point in delays of the transportation
of troops. General Walthall s division reached Mayfield yesterday and
did not arrive to-day. Ascertain where the blame rests. Inquire into