this place. I think it probable he is making for Florence or Darlington. I regret to inform you that I met with great difficulty and delay in crossing the wagons, artillery, and troops across the Santee. McLaws division is all here except a brigade which was left at Florence, nuder Colonel Hardy, to protect that place until the troops, wagons, aud artillery have passed. I sent instructions yesterday to General Talia- ferro urgently directing him to press forward to this place with the utmost expedition. I expect a portion of his command to-night, and most, perhaps all of it, may be here before the enemy shall cut the road. Much of our artillery and most of the wagons are still in rear. I have directed all those which may arrive at Florence to-day and after to remain at that place until the movements of the enemy are developed, and if the command should be compelled to fall back, to move with it. Instructions have been sent to Col. W. M. Hardy, also to General Taliaferro, if unable by movements of the enemy to join me here, to fall back toward the Santee, and to rejoin me by Sumterville and Camden. Respectfully, your obedient servant, ~ ~. H4RDEE, Lieutenant- General. P. 5.It is proper I should add that more of my cavalry has come up. It was the last to cross, being kept in rear to guard the crossing of the Santee. Another cause of delay amid embarrassment arises from a heavy rise in the Great Pedee and its tributaries, which has carried away some important bridges on the route, thus causing the wagons and artillery to go much ont of the way to reach this place. The lack of cavalry is much felt, as I am unable to learn the movements of the enemy. W. J. HARDEE. General G. T. BEAUREGARD Commanding Military Division of the IVest. Llndorsement.] FEBRUARY 27, 1865. Respectfully furnished Lieutenant-General Hampton. Nothing has yet been received from General Cheatham since he was ileard of between Newberry and Unionville. Respectfully, JNO. M. OTEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. CHERAW, February 28, 186512 m. GENERAL: Since my dispatch to you yesterday I learn from Major. General Butler that the Seventeenth Army Corps crossed yesterday at Youngs Bridge, oii Lynchs Creek, amid that the Fifteenth and Sev- enteenth Army Corps are mnarching on this place. His dispatch was dated at 6 p. m. yesterday at Kellytown. General Butler stated his intention of moving last night, so as to get between Cheraw and the enemy. I regret to state that the troops I mentioned as being in rear, and which I expected here last night with the artillery, have not arrived. There has been no arrival of trains since yesterday after- noon. I have sent down an engine to learn the cause. I do not appre- hend that the road is cut, but that there has been some collision I have no doubt, This road, like all others in the Confederacy, is wretchedly