We have no transportation here at all. Before I got down here all horses were taken out of the fort. Where they are I don't know. Enemy got them, I suppose. Not a horse in the fort. Please send on a flat to Battery Buchanan two wagons and teams and three courier horses.

W. H. C. WHITING,

Major-General.

SUGAR LOAF, December 26, 1864 - 10.30 a. m.

Major-General WHITING,

Fort Fisher:

Send Kirkland's ammunition if you do not need it.

ARCHER ANDERSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

FORT FISHER, December 26, 1864 - 12.30 p. m.

General BRAGG:

Colonel Lipscomb just in. I send him back with instructions to try and keep communication open. Send me for to-night 500 veteran infantry, the same as were here the other night. I am communicating with Smithville. Just got your dispatch of yesterday. Will not give up or evacuate this place so long as a man is left to stand to his gun. Unless overpowered by heavy boat attack we will hold. It is for that I want re-enforcement to-night. I think enemy are on the beach. Please try and keep up land communication with me by the river or by small boats.

Very respectfully,

W. H. C. WHITING,

Major-General.

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

Major-General WHITING,

Fort Fisher:

Colonel Lipscomb has just made a close reconnaissance of enemy's position, and reports that there are not more than 500 men on shore. All concentrated in and about Battery Anderson.

ARCHER ANDERSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SUGAR LOAF, December 26, 1864 - 8 p. m.

Major-General WHITING,

Fort Fisher:

Enemy are defensive and intrenching. Troops arriving, and our operations probably begin to-morrow.

ARCHER ANDERSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

83 R R - VOL XLII, PT III