Roanoke must depend on circumstances. Should Gaston be your best point to reach the Roanoke, as stated by Generals Holmes and Gatlin, you would have the advnatage of the bridg eat that place on w hich to cross the river; but unless you could bring supplies with you I think your army would suffer. I have sent an engineer office rto examine the crossings, roads, &c., from Danville to Field's Ferry, below Clarksville. I recommend you do the same. Information as to what provisions and forage can be relied on I think also desirable. In my opinion the farther east we confine Sherman the better, and the more room it will allow for maneuvering the armies. I have enderavored to giuve you all information necessary for determining your operations. If there is any point on which you wish further, please advise me. I have not pretended to lay down fixed rules, which at this distance and at this time cannot safely be done, but rely upon your good judgment and skill to accomplish everything that is possible to attain our common end-the greatest success. Unity of purpose and harmony of action between the two armies, with the blessing of God, I trust will relieve us from the difficulties that now beset us.

Most truly and respectfully, yours.

R. E. LEE,

General.

RALEIGH, N. C., March 15, 1865-8 a. m.

Colonel J. M. OTEY,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Charlotte, N. C.:

Order General Robertson, through several messengers from Camden, to come to this place by the best and most direct route, avoiding Fayetteville, now occupied by enemy. He must report what route he will follow.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

RALEIGH, N. C., March 15, 1865-8 a. m.

Colonel J. M. OTEY,

Charlotte, N. C.:

General Johnston's orders as follows: General Lee must bring at most only one battalion artillery; rest must return to Augusta, thence to Macon. Major Ayer must lend to Major W. H. Smith, 400 wagons of Army of Tennessee to be used as follows: One hundred on road from Black Stocks or Winnsborough to Alston; 200 from Abbeville to Washington, and 100 to collect supplkies in Norhtwestern South Carolina. Major McCrady must push on rapidly repairs of roads from Chester to Georgia road, via Winnsborough, Alston, Abbeville, and Washington. He must report weekly progress.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

RALEIGH, N. C., March 15, 1865-1 p. m.

Colonel J. M. OTEY,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Charlotte, N. C.:

Order General Lee to bring with him all the caissons he may have with him. Order Major Ayer to send Major J. B. Moore to report to General Johnston forthwith.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.