lished against them. Evening and night of 21st enemy moved toward Goldsborough, where Schofield joined him, and yesterday we came here. Sherman's course cannot be hindered by the small force I have. I can do no more than annoy him. I respectfully suggest that it is no longer a question whether you leave present position; you have only to decide where to meet Sherman. I will be near him.

J. E. JOHNSTON.

HEADQUARTERS,
March 23, 1865.

General Jos. E. JOHNSTON:

Telegram of 1. 30 p. m. received. I am delighted at conduct of Tennessee army. I hope you will be able often to repeat your blow and finally shiver enemy. Still we must meet the qeustion. Where, in your opinion, can we best meet Sherman?

R. E. LEE.

NEAR SMITHFIELD, N. C., March 23, 1865-2. 30 p. m.

General R. E. LEE:

I earnestly recommend and ask that Major-General Lovell be ordered to report to me. I regard him equal to our best major-generals. Please reply.

J. E. JOHNSTON.

NEAR SMITHFIELD, N. C., March 23, 1865.

General G. T. BEAUREGARD,

Raleigh, N. C.:

Sherman's whole army being intrenched in our front on morning of 20th we did not attack, but held our position to cover removal of wounded and occupy enemy. There was heavy skirmishing 20th and 21st, and several partial attacks by him handsomely repulsed. Troops of Tennessee army have fully disproved slanders that have been published against them. Evening and night of 21st enemy moved toward Goldsborough and yesterday we came here.

J. E. JOHNSTON.

RALEIGH, N. C., March 23, 1865-9. 30 a. m.

General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON,

Smithfield, N. C.:

Have you selected point in our rear for depot of provisions and forage? How much of quantity here shall be retained?

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

RALEIGH, N. C., March 23, 1865-10. 30 a. m.

General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON,

Smithfield, N. C.:

What amount of provisions, forage, and ammunition shall be kept here? Answer in cipher. Governor Vance says he can send you twenty wagons out of thirty which are hauling Government tithes here, if you so prefer it.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.