RIDGEWAY, S. C., February 17, 1865-9. 30 p. m.

(Received 12 p. m.)

General BRECKINRIDGE,

Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.:

Far from interfering with provisions at Charlotte Junction, I have done all I could to send everything forward from Columbia. I advise removal of all supplies, except 200,000 rations, from Charlotte to a safer place farther north. No times should be lost.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

RIDGEWAY, S. C., February 17, 1865-9. 30 p. m.

(Received 11 o'clock.)

General J. C. BRECKINRIDGE,

Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.:

Whilst in Augusta I ordered preparations made for removal of all stores and supplies, but deficiency of trains and lack of energy failed to accomplish all that was required; much, however, was removed.

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Numbers 40.
Richmond, February 17, 1865.

* * * * *

XVII. Major General A. Elzey, Provisional Army, C. S., is hereby relieved from duty as chief of artillery, Army of Tennessee.

* * * * *

By command of Secretary of War:

JOHN WITHERS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

RIDGEWAY, S. C., February 17, 1865.

General R. E. LEE,

General-in-Chief, Richmond, Va.:

I believe the suggestion of General Gorgas impracticable, but will recommend it to General McLaws.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

RIDGEWAY, S. C., February 17, 1865-9. 30 p. m.

General R. E. LEE,

Richmond, Va.:

Enemy having forced crossing of Saluda and Broad Rivers above Columbia, city had to be evacuated this morning. My forces are now retiring on this place. Everything possible shall be done to retard enemy's advance, but I cannot separate cavalry from infantry without fear of disaster, owing to small number of latter, only about 3,000 effectives. Moreover, having no supply trains troops must move along railroads.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.