force. I cannot tell whether infantry or cavalry-they are dismounted and in the swamp. I think they will attempt a crossing at this point. I will hold them in check as well as I can. When I am driven from the river I will fall back on the Orangeburg road. I will dispatch you when I am driven from river.

I am, general, your obedient servant,

W. W. LILLARD,

Captain, Commanding Detachment Fifth Tennessee Cavalry.

BATTERY BEE, February 12, 1865-9. 25 p. m.

Captain PAGE,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Sumter:

Another report just from Andersonville. Twelve vessels of different kinds are quietly anchored in the bay. Two or three gone in the direction of McClellanville.

RHETT,

Colonel.

BATTERY REE, February 12, 1865-1 p. m.

Captain PAGE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, City:

Thirteenth steamers arrived in Bull's Bay at 8 o'clock this a. m.

BOYLSTON,

Lieutenant and Acting Adjutant-General, City:

BATTERY BEE, February 12, 1865-3. 30 p. m.

Captain PAGE,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Sumter:

Two or there more steamers have entered Bull's Bay. One in creek in front of Andersonville and two in lower end of the bay.

BOYLSTON,

Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

CITY, February 12, 1865. -4. 30 p. m.

Lieutenant BOYLSTON,

Actign Assistant Adjutant-General, Battery Bee:

Order Captain Parker's battery back to Andersonville at once.

[P. N. PAGE .]

HEADQUARTERS,
Charleston, February 12, 1865.

Colonel BLACK,

Commanding First South Carolina, Cavalry:

COLONEL: You will march with your command to Holly Hill, a point northwest of Sandy River, taking the road via Summery and Ridgeville. You will examine the passes of the road through the "by pass," and the crossing of the road through Four Hole Swamp near Doctor Murray's. You will make your headquarters near Burch's Ford beyond Holly Hill, and dispose of your command so as to cover any advance

74 R R-VOL XLVII, PT II