intrenching where it landed, three miles north of Fort Fisher, under cover of a very large fleet. Our troops having passed the Piedmont road, where all the delay has occurred, are now coming forward rapidly.

BRAXTON BRAGG,

General.

(Copy to President Davis.)

CHARLESTON, December 26, 1864.

General BRAXTON BRAGG:

The five companies each of the Thirty-sixth and Fortieth North Carolina Troops have been ordered to your when they leave here.

W. J. HARDEE,

Lieutenant-General.

SUGAR LOAF, December 26, 1864 - 12 m.

Flag-Officer PINCKNEY,

Wilmington, N. C.:

Please send gun-boat to patrol between Fisher and Anderson to prevent crossing and annoy enemy's flank by fire at Craig's Landing.

ARCHER ANDERSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

WILMINGTON, December 26, 1864.

General BRAGG:

I will as soon as possible send a vessel to patrol the river between the points you designate. I have no officer at present whom I can send to you.

R. F. PINCKNEY.

SUGAR LOAF, December 26, 1864 - 4 p. m.

Flag-Officer PINCKNEY,

Wilmington, N. C.:

We have opened communication with Fort Fisher and now hold the river. I would be glad to have the gun-boat down to co-operate, but it should not open fire.

BRAXTON BRAGG.

DECEMBER 26, 1864 - 12 m.

General BRAGG:

Major Parker's dispatch of yesterday* just received. I am not going to evacuate or give up this place so long as a man is left to stand to his gun. Will instruct General Hebert. We can only be taken by being overpowered. Press their rear.

W. H. C. WHITING,

Major-General.

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* See Parker to Whiting, 11.50 p. m., p. 1307.

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