HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF GEORGIA,
Augusta, February 4, 1865.

Captain PARKER,

Provost-Marshall:

The major-general commanding directs that you see that cars necessary for the removal of Government stores be vacant in the morning even should it be necessary to turn out private freight.

R. W. MIMMINGER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

CARTER'S FORD, February 4, 1865.

General BEAUREGARD:

The enemy crossed the Salkehatchie between Broxton's and River's Bridges; also above Rivers' Brdge, compelling me to fall back upon Branchville. It was with difficulty that my command could be withdrawn, as I was completedly flanked on both sides. The fighting at Rivers' Bridge was quite sharp, and lasted several hours.

L. McLAWS,

Major-General.

BLACKVILLE, February 4, 1865.

Major-General McLaws:

Send a brigade to guard the crossing over the Edisto, on the road leading from Waltergorough to George's Station on South Carolina Railroad, with instructions to destroy the bridge on the approach of the enemy. Cover the railroad as long as possible without endangering your command. General Wheeler is ordered to assist you.

W. J. HARDEE,

Lieutenant-General.

BRANCHVILLE, S. C., February 4, 1865.

Major-General McLaws:

GENERAL: I am about starting for Charleston. I have sent you instructions respecting the dispositions to be made of your command. For fear you may not have received them, I will repeat that you must occupy all the bridges and crossings from railroad bridge to Raysor's Bridge, inclusive. If forced back you will retire behind the Four Hole Swamp, where his command, will hold Cannon's and thhe bridges above. Stevenson has part of his force at New Bridge, which will be relieved by your command. I expect to return here to-morrow evening. Keep me advised as usual.

Very respectfully,

W. J. HARDEE,

Lieutenant-General.

Examine roads to you rear.

HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE WEST,
Augusta, Ga., February 4, 1865-11. 45 a. m.

Major General JOS. WHEELER,

Commanding Cavalry at Fiddle Pond, near Barnwell Court-House:

GENERAL: General McLaws reports that the enemy late last night had forced a passage across the Salkehatchie in the vicinity of Rivers'