SMITHVILLE, January 17, 1865

(Received 5.30 a. m.)

Colonel ANDERSON:

I have heard nothing of the wagons. Will meet them this morning and will order them back.

LOUIS HEBERT,

Brigadier-General.

SMITHVILLE, January 17, 1865.

Colonel ANDERSON:

I evacuate Smithville now, at 7.40 [a. m.]. I have destroyed Pelteway and Cape Fear, the only steamers here.

LOUIS HEBERT,

Brigadier-General.

GANDER HALL, January 17, 1865 - 8 a. m.

Brigadier-General HEBERT,

On road from Smithville to Fort Anderson:

General Bragg directs you send Colonel Simonton immediately to taken command of the batteries for the protection of obstructions near town and control of obstructions. Let him report his arrival there.

ARCHER ANDERSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

ON ROAD FROM SMITHVILLE TO FORT ANDERSON,

January 17, 1865 - 11 a. m.

Colonel ARCHER ANDERSON:

I evacuated Smithville at 7 a. m. I am within three miles of Anderson. Do you want Colonel Simonton to take his troops with him, or must he go alone to the river obstructions?

LOUIS HEBERT,

Brigadier-General.

FORT ANDERSON, January 17, 1865.

(Received 11.30 a. m.)

Colonel ANDERSON:

I have just arrived here with the troops from Fort Holmes and Smithville. Colonel Simonton, with his command, has not yet reached here. Do you want Colonel Simonton to report in person at the river obstructions, or with his command?

LOUIS HEBERT,

Brigadier-General.

GANDER HALL, January 17, 1865 - 12.30 p. m.

Brigadier-General HEBERT,

Fort Anderson:

The order is to send Colonel Simonton alone to the obstructions. General Bragg wishes you to come over and see General Hoke as soon as practicable.

ARCHER ANDERSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.