HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
Near Rivers' Bridge, S. C., February 3, 1865.

Major-General BLAIR,

Commanding Seventeenth Army Corps:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to say that when he was down toward the front this morning he observed that themain road to the river was in very bad condition. As he feels confident that we will use the road soon, he wishes you to send the pioneers of General Force's division and have it corduroyed wherever it needs.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A.m. VAN DYKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
Rivers' Bridge, S. C., February 3, 1865.

Major General F. P. BLAIR,

Commanding Seventeenth Army Corps:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you have all your empty wagons ready at daylight to-morrow to return to Pocotaligo Landing and load with subsistence stores, and rejoin the command as soon as possible. You will send the Ninth Regiment Illinois Mounted Infantry as a guard.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A.m. VAN DYKE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 31. Rivers' Bridge, S. C., February 3, 1865.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

IV. Bvt. Major General G. A. Smith, commanding Fourth Division, will move his command along the north bank of the Salkehatchie River to-morrow morning and join on to the right of the First Division now in position at Rivers' Bridge.

By command of Major General F. P. Blair:

C. CADLE, Jr.,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS,

Near Rivers' Bridge, S. C., February 3, 1865.

Brigadier General M. F. FORCE,

Commanding Third Division:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you place your command under arms, ready to move at a moment's notice.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. CADLE, Jr.,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

19 R R-VOL XLVII, PT II