GOLDSBOROUGH, March 13, 1865-4. 30 p. m.

General J. E. JOHNSTON,

Raleigh:

My main force can be there on the 15th; all on the 16th, if we move immediately, which I suggest. No railroad transportation is available, nor could it advance me.

BRAXTON BRAGG.

RALEIGH, March 13, 1865-5. 15 p. m.

General BRAXTON BRAGG,

Goldsborough:

Transfer your command, inlcuding Tennessee troops, to Smithfield with all promptness, using railroad as far as may be advnatageous. Keep your cavalry in observation as long as possible. Acknowledge receipt of this.

J. E. JOHNSTON.

RALEIGH, March 13, 1865-5. 45 p. m.

General BRAXTON BRAGG,

Goldsborough:

Your dispatch 4. 30 p. m. received. Move as early as possible in the morning. Acknowledge.

J. E. JOHNSTON.

GOLDSBOROUGH, March 13, 1865-6. 15 p. m.

General J. E. JOHNSTON,

Raleigh, N. C.:

Your two telegrams of this afternoon are received.

BRAXTON BRAGG,

General.

GOLDSBOROUGH, March 13, 1865.

OPERATOR AT MOSELEY HALL:

Remain until the cavalry at Kinston are ordred to fall back. Then accompany them with your instruments and materials. While remaining, communicate information to Colonel Pool, Goldsborough, and General Bragg, Smithfield. If Chesnut's squadron is near tell them to come on.

JOHN B. SALE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

CIRCULAR.] HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA,

Goldsborough, March 13, 1865.

The several commands will immediately prepare and keep on hand cooked rations for two days, and e held ready I every respect to march at a moment's notice. Absent or detached commands will as promptly as practicable assmeble at Goldsborough, encamp, and await orders. That part of Major-General Hoke's division (including Colonel Whitford's command) left at Kinston as rear guard will immediately