HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE WEST,
Columbia, S. C., February 17, 1865.

Major General JOS. WHEELER,

Commanding Cavalry Corps:

GENERAL: I am directed by General Beauregard to inform you that on leaving the city he will take the common road along the railroad to Winnsborough, expecting to stop, until further orders, at the Rice Spring road, about twelve miles from here.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

ALB. FERRY,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

FEBRUARY 17, 1865-8. 20 a. m.

Major-General WHEELER:

GENERAL: When General Stevenson withdraws he will move over to the Charlotte railroad. You will cover his left by taking care of the direct Winnsborough road. Keep one portion of your command in front of theenemy as he advances on the town and try to check him on this the Broad River road. I will be at Killian's Mill (Ford's Mill) to-night.

Very respectfully,

WADE HAMPTON,

Lieutenant-General.

CHARLOTTEE RAILROAD, February 17, 1865-12. 25 p. m.

Major-General WHEELER,

Commanding Corps:

GENERAL: Your dispatch of 11. 15 a. m. just received. Everything is now clear, and you can move in the direction indicated. Communicate, if possible, with General Humes and the other troops beyond him. Picket the road you withdraw on, and cover the Winnsborough road be keeping a brigade on it. It is important to ascertain if there is any movement in direction of Winnsborough, or up the river. Can you locate the cavalry of the enemy? Send scouts to gain all the information possible. Communicate with me at Killian's Mill.

I am, very respectfully, yours,

WADE HAMPTON,

Lieutenant-General.

HEADQUARTERS,
February 17, 1865-7. 45 [a. m.]

General WHEELER,

Commanding Cavalry:

The enemy have crossed the river to an island formed by the river and a slough in our front. They will soon effect a crossing to the mainland. Please have some cavalry to cover any movement to the rear that it may be necessary for me to make.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. L. STEVENSON,

Major-General.