CHARLESTON, S. C., February 8, 1864.

Major General J. F. Gilmer,

Savannah, Ga.:

Enemy making development of a serious operation in force on Saint John's River, Fla.

Send to General Finegan all troops once ordered to be held ready to go from Savannah to Florida. Colquitt's brigade is ordered to you for exigencies. Celerity important.

By order of General Beauregard:

THOMAS JORDAN,

Chief of Staff.

CHARLESTON, S. C., February 8, 1864.

Brigadier General J. FINEGAN,

Lake City, Fla.:

Re-enforcements ordered you from Middle Florida and Savannah. Do what you can to hold enemy at bay and prevent capture of slaves.

THOMAS JORDAN,

Chief of Staff.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF EAST FLORIDA, No. 28.
Lake City, February 8, 1864.

1. Captain A. A. Ochus, commanding Bay Port will move without delay in light marching order to Gainesville, Fla., and from there by rail to Baldwin, Fla. The movement will be made by forced marches. The quartermaster will furnish transportation from Gainesville.

2. Captain J. Q. Stewart will move by forced marches his whole company to Otter Creek, Florida Railroad, and will take train from there to Baldwin, Fla. The quartermaster will furnish transportation from Otter Creek.

3. Captain S. W. Mays, commanding No. 4, will leave 10 men at his post, and repair with the balance of his company to Baldwin, Fla. As soon as Captain McNeill arrives at No. 4, the 10 men of Captain Mays will rejoin their company. Captain McNeill will immediately send one-half send a copy of this order by express to Captain McNeill. The quartermaster will furnish transportation for Captain Mays' company.

4. Captain M. J. Clarke will move by forced marches with the detachment of his company now at Crystal River to Gainesville, and take rail from for Baldwin, Fla. The quartermaster will furnish transportation from Gainesville.

* * * * * *

By order of Brigadier-General Finegan:

R. B. THOMAS,
Colonel and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.