COLUMBIA, S. C., February 15, 1865-7. 30 p. m.

General R. E. LEE,

General-in-Chief, Richmond, Va.:

Have just arrived, from Charleston. General Stevenson and Hampton report Sherman's four corps moving on this place, two of them pressing our troops back on south to within about four miles of the river. Cheatham's corps has not yet arrived. We will hold the city as long as practicable with present available means.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

COLUMBIA, S. C., February 15, 1865.

General R. E. LEE,

General-in-Chief, Richmond, Va.:

Indications are now positive to my mind that enemy intends moving on Charlotte. I cannot concentrate in time sufficient to check him. Shall I continue in his front, or put my base toward Georgia or North Carolian? I advise removing soon as possible all stores from his line of march. Please answer.

G. T. BEUAREGARD.

General.

HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE WEST,
Columbia, S. C., February 15, 1865.

Major R. RHETT,

Assistant Quartermaster:

General Beauregard wishes every effort made to remove all quartermaster stores from this place to some point on the Charlotte railroad beyond Chesterville.

JOHN M. OTEY,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE WEST,
Columbia, S. C., February 15, 1865.

Captain J. D. WITHERSPOON,

Assistant Commissary of Subsistence:

CAPTAIN: General Beauregard directs that all the subsistence stores, except 50,000 rations, be sent from the city in the direction of Chesterville and Charlotte, N. C.

JOHN M. OTEY,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

COLUMBIA, S. C., February 15, 1865.

COMMANDING OFFICER CHESTERVILLE, S. C.:

Please have trains unloaded that they may be returned promptly.

Impress labor if needed.

By command of General Beauregard:

JOHN M. OTEY,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

(Similar dispatch to commanding officer Charlotte, N. C.)