is all important, and to save it I must have control of my workmen and also as much transportation as I may require. Unless such instructions are immediately given I cannot accomplish it.

GEO W. RAINS,

Colonel, Commanding.

CENTRAL RAILROAD, Gordon, November 21, 1864.

Captain R. W. B. ELLIOTT,

Assistant Adjutant - General, Headquarters Savannah:

Major - General Wayne proposes falling back from this place to the Oconee bridge. The enemy are reported 40,000 strong, moving on Macon, and 20,000 on Augusta. A small force of the enemy were in Milledgeville yesterday evening. I await further orders. Telegraph me at Numbers 14.

A. L. HARTRIDGE,

Major, &c.

OCONEE, November 21, 1864.

Captain ELLIOTT,

Assistant Adjutant - General.

If the enemy should attempt to go round for the purpose of destroying the Ogeechee railroad bridge, I will need a train to transport troops there for its defense. Can you not send a train here subject to my orders?

A. L. HARTRIDGE,

Major, &c.

OCONEE, November 21, 1864.

Captain R. W. B. ELLIOTT:

Assistant Surgeon West has arrived, but without medicines. Captain Fremder's cavalry company not yet arrived. I have seized all the fords above and below the railroad, and have ordered all boats to be kept on this side, and destroyed if necessary. I have received the major - General's dispatch allowing me to retain the Twenty-seventh Georgia Battalion. No citizens have reported yet.

A. L. HARTRIDGE,

Major, &c.

OCONEE, November 21, 1864.

Captain ELLIOTT,

Assistant Adjutant - General:

General Wayne and his command, between 400 and 500 men, left Gordon at 3. 30 o'clock, and are now here. As we left Gordon the Yankees entered it, but no information could be gathered as to their strength. General Wayne has assumed command here. I await further orders.

A. L. HARTRIDGE,

Major, &c.