HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS,
February 19, 1865.

Colonel MOORE,

Commanding Brigade, &c.:

I have ordered Colonel Henderson to push his reconnaissance farther toward Town Creek. Please support him if he needs it, and I will be up shortly with the other brigades.

Very respectfully, &c.,

J. D. COX,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA,
Fort Anderson, N. C., February 19, 1865.

Major General A. H. TERRY,

Commanding Detachments Twenty-fourth and Twenty-fifth Army Corps:

GENERAL: I have ordered General Ames to cross the river at Fort Anderson and report to you this evening. In the morning I want you to move forward against the enemy, east of the river, while General Cox will move up the west bank. If you find the enemy in a fortified position this side of Wilmington, try to turn his left and force him back upon Wilmington, or you may endeavor to cut him off from that place if your force appears sufficient. If the enemy fall back to the defenses of Wilmington invest the place as far as practicable. In any other event act as may seem for the best. Communicate with me frequently, by signal or otherwise. I will move up the river in the Spaulding, so as to keep in communication with the troops on both side.

Very respectfully,

J. M. SCHOFIELD,

Major-General.

FEDERAL POINT, N. C., February 19, 1865.

Major-General SCHOFIELD:

My advance is about eight miles from Wilmington, close to the enemy's outposts. Unless I receive contrary orders from you I shall camp for the night at about nine miles from the city and await re-enforcements. Can they reach me before daylight?

A. H. TERRY,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA,
ARMY OF THE OHIO,

Fort Anderson, N. C., February 19, 1865.

Major General A. H. TERRY,

Comndg. Detachments Twenty-fourth and Twenty-fifth Army Corps:

GENERAL: Your dispatch by signal is received. General Ames' division will re-enforce you to-night and act under your orders in the morning. He is going to land near where your troops now are. The commanding general directs me to say that he will make no reply to the communication by flag of truce.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. CAMPBELL,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.

32 R R - VOL XLVII, PT II