HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, March 17, 186512.45 a. m. MAJOR: On arriving at General Hardees position yesterday morn- ing I found him engaged with the enemy, and fc~ught with him until dark. In obedience to his instructions General Allen will move on his right, to cover that flank while moving to Smithfield, and I remain with Ashbys command to cover his rear. Any communication will reach me at Elevation to-day. Respectfully, major, your obedient servant, J. WHEELER, Major- General. Maj. IL B. MCCLELLAN Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, Averasborough, March 17, 18659.05 a. m. GENERAL: The enemy have advanced very near this place with a line of battle of infantry. Cavalry has also been seen. When driven back [sic.] I will turn off toward Smithfield with my main force, and will send a regiment on the road toward Raleigh. I do not think the enemy will go farther toward Raleigh than where the road turns off to Smith- field. Colonel Ashby has sent off all the wounded which could travel, and has left rations for such as were not able to travel. He has also a force keeping up all stragglers. Respectfully, general, your obedient servant, J. WHEELER, Major- General. Lieut. Gen. W. J. HARDEE. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, March 17, 186511.10 a. m. COLONEL: The enemy marched a short distance up the Raleigh road, skirmishing with the Eighth Texas, but have advanced farther on this road. The indications are that the advance will be upon this road. Respectfully, colonel, your obedient servant, J. WHEELFA2~, Major- General. Lieut. Col. T. B. Roy, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, Smithfield and Averasborough Road, March 18, 186511.45 a. m. MAJOR: The enemy moved a portion of Twentieth Corps up as far as Stewarts Creek, on the Raleigh road yesterday. Scouts just report that it has returned to Averasborough, and I presume it will turn off and cross Black River at the same point at which the Fourteenth Corps crossed it. I have sent out scouts to ascertain definitely as to