give all the assistance in your power. The delay is not only dangerous and injurious, but has given rise to painful suspicions, which in justice to those connected with the management of the roads should be removed.

With great respect, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,

General.

GANDER HALL, December 28, 1864 - 8 a. m.

Lieutenant-General HOLMES,

Wilmington, N. C.:

The order to detain troops in Wilmington does not include the ten companies Thirty-sixth and Fortieth Regiments. They are to immediately go to the forts.

ARCHER ANDERSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

WILMINGTON, December 28, 1864.

(Received 9 a. m.)

Colonel ANDERSON:

Scout Dickinson reports enemy's expedition to Swansborough returned to Beaufort, and that the cars have been running all the time from Morehead City to New Berne for the last four days. General Hoke telegraphed for the troops of his division. I have ordered them to Sugar Loaf.

T. H. HOLMES,

Lieutenant-General.

SUGAR LOAF, December 28, 1864.

Lieutenant-General HOLMES,

Wilmington, N. C.:

Clingman's brigade will remain in Wilmington. All men of Hagood's and Kirkland's will come to Sugar Loaf. Colquitt's will go to Fort Anderson, and detachments to their proper posts.

BRAXTON BRAGG.

SUGAR LOAF, December 28, 1864.

General HOLMES:

General Bragg directs troops be relieved from duty in trenches about city.

FRANK S. PARKER,

Aide-de-Camp.

SUGAR LOAF, December 28, 1864 - 12.20 p. m.

General HOLMES:

General Bragg and staff are just leaving for Wilmington by telegraph road.

ARCHER ANDERSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.