MARCH 16, 18654.30 p. m. The enemy have made repeated attempts to carry my lines and turn my flanks, but have been repulsed in every attempt. I shall retire toward Smithfield to-night. General Hampton says the enemy have crossed Black River at several places, and urges me to move rapidly to prevent being intercepted. Have you any force you could move from Smithfield to Elevation ~ W. J. HARDEE, Lieutenant- General. General JOHNSTON, Smithfield. HEADQUARTERS, Fire Miles from Arerasborough, on Averasborough and Smithfield Road, March 17, 18651 a. m. GENERAL: There was little important fighting after my dispatch to yoa of 4.30 p. m. 16th instant. My loss is between 400 and 500. Among the missing is Colonel Rhett, commanding brigade, and among the killed Lient. Col. Robert IDe Treville. Enemys loss not known, but believed to be heavy. Two pieces of artillery were abandomz~ed, the limber of one being blown off and the horses of both killed. Your dis- patch of 4 p. in., countermanding the movement to Smithfield upon certain conditions, was received at 11 p. in., too late to arrest the movement. My trains had gone on to Elevation. I can, however, if you think it best, move from that point to Raleigh. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. J. HARDEE, Lieutenant. General. General JOHNSTON. NEAR BLACK RIVER, March 17, 18654.30 a. m. GENERAL: Your dispatch of 10 p. m. just received. The enemy has crossed Black River just above Mingo Creek, and at all, or nearly all, the crossings below. General Hampton says all the army has crossed except the Fourteenth Corps and one division of the Twentieth Corps, which were on the plank road, and which we fought yesterday. Gen- eral Hampton l)romised to send you direct all the information of the enemy, else I would have been more particular. General Wheeler came to my assistance late yesterday afternoon and rendered valuable service. He is now in my rear with 500 or 600 men, and will ascertain whether the force on the plank road goes to Raleigh or crosses Black River. I hope to get my command to Elevation by 12 oclock. The roads are almost impassable. At 1 oclock Wheeler writes: The enemy had not discovered my movement, but were busily engaged for- tifying. Respectfully, W. J. HARDEE, Lieutenant- General. General JOHNSTON. IN EAR BLACK RIVER, March 17, 18657 a. m. GENERAL: I dispatched you this morning at 4.30 oclock, giving you the information you desire respecting the movements of the enemy,