AUGUSTA, February 4, 1865.

General S. COOPER:

I have ordered a line of couriers from here to Columbia. A telegraph line should be established forthwith between same points, via Georgia Railroad, Washington, Abbeville, and Newberry. I am informed John Fraser & Co. have wire, &c., at Columbia. Please answer.

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

General.

AUGUSTA, February 4, 1865.

(Received 4. 10 o'clock.)

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

Telegrams from Generals Hardee and McLaws report enemy crossed Broxton's and Rivers' Bridges over the Salkehatchie, forcing General McLaws back toward Branchville. He was flanked on both sides. Fighting was sharp at Rivers' Bridge. General Hardee has made dispositions to hold railroad as long as possible, but says will not be able to hold it much longer.

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

General.

AUGUSTA, February 4, 1865.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

Report from Generals Wheeler and Iverson of yesterday indicate that the Foruteenth and Twentieth Corps have passed the Savannah River at Sister's Ferry, but that portions of them are still this side, as Iverson, in a skirmish on the 2nd instant, took prisoners from the Sixth [Fourteenth?] Corps. Prisoners were taken who claim to belong to the Twenty-third Corps (Schofield). They report one division of that corps present. Sheridan, with the Nineteenth, reported to have arrived at Savannah, and General Meagher with the stragglers of Sherman's army.

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

General.

AUGUSTA, February 4, 1865.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

General Taylor reports Schofield with Twenty-third Corps and remnants of Fifteenth and Seventeenth Corps, that were left by Sherman with Thomas, are moving east over Baltimore and Ohio and Pennsylvania Central Railroads. Large force, supposed to be A. J. Smith's command, and other troops gathered from Western garrisons, reported going down Mississippi River. Remainder of Thomas army, including Wood's (Fourth) corps, at Eastport in bivouac.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.