HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
February 21, 1865.

General BRAXTON BRAGG:

Is McLaws within reach to aid in repulse of enemy? If not, notify him and Beauregard that he may take another route.

R. E. LEE.

WILMINGTON, February 21, 1865-10. 45 p. m.

General R. E. LEE,

Petersburg:

Holding one corps in Hoke's front, the enemy has thrown another to the west of the Cape Fear, which is now opposite the town. This compels me to cross the Northeast River or they will be in my rear to-morrow. Our small forces renders it impossible to make any serious stand. We are greatly embarrassed by prisoners, the enemy refusing to receive them or entertain any propositon. General Orders, Numbers 4, Adjutant and Inspector General's Office, already complied with.

BRAXTON BRAGG.

WILMINGTON, February 21, 1865.

General G. T. BEAUREGARD,

Winnsborough, S. C.:

On my arirval I find my forces driven from west side Cape Fear and the railroad in possession of enemy. Have notified General Hardee. Two corps, Schofield and Terry, are opposed to Hoke's division.

BRAXTON BRAGG.

WILMINGTON, February 21, 1865.

Lieutenant General W. J. HARDEE,

Kingstree:

We have retired to east of Cape Fear, and the Manchester road is cuty. You had better follow your original plan, as the movement this way is no longer practicable.

BRAXTON BRAGG.

GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPT. OF NORTH CAROLINA, Numbers 15.
Wilmington, February 21, 1865.

I. General Braxton Bragg, having returned, resumes command of the department.

II. Major General R. F. Hoke is assigned to the command of the Third Military District.

III. The general court-martial convened in Special Orders, Numbers 23, headquarters Department of North Carolina, is dissolved, and the members will report for duty with their respective commands.

IV. The following officers will report to Major General R. F. Hoke, commanding Third Military District: Colonel G. A. Cunningham, Provisional Army, C. S. ; Major T. B. Venable, assistant adjutant-general; Major A. Vanderhorts, assistant adjutant-general.