NEAR SPRINGTOWN, February 5, 1865-3.45 p. m.

General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Augusta:

Your dispatch relative to dispositions after the enemy shall have reached the railroad is received.* General Hardee had directed me when the enemy reached the railroad to place my command between him and Augusta. I had intended running my line from Duncan's Bridge to the mouth of Lower Three Runs. General Hardee had designed General Hampton to coverthe approach to Columbia. General Hardee takes one brigade of my command to cover his rear. Which disposition shall I make?+

J. WHEELER,

Major-General.

[47.]

NEAR SPRINGTOWN, February 6, 1865-12.15 a. m.

Lieutenant-General HARDEE, Charleston:

All roads by which the enemy can advance upon railroad are picketed, and no advance has been reported to me. I think enemy will drive us from our position to-day.

J. WHEELER,

Major-General.

(Send also to General D. H. Hill, Augusta.)

[47.]

NEAR SPRINGTOWN, February 6, 1865-7.10 a. m.

Lieutenant-General HARDEE, Charleston:

enemy are skirmishing with us at Adams' Ford. Strength not yet ascertained.

J. WHEELER,

Major-General.

(Send also to Major General D. H. Hill, Augusta.)

[47.]

NEAR SPRINGTOWN, February 6, 1865-7.20 a. m.

Lieutenant-General HARDEE, Charleston:

General Beauregard ordered me to cross the Edisto with my whole force, excepting one brigade. After communicating your instructions, he directed me to execute the latter instead of the former.

J. WHEELER,

Major-General.

[47.]

NEAR SPRINGTOWN, February 6, 1865-11 a. m.

Lieutenant General W. J. HARDEE, Charleston:

Enemy are advancing upon me with infantry and will, I think, force their passage soon. If they do, I think they will reach the railroad to-day.

J. WHEELER,

Major-General.

(Send also to General D. H. Hill, Augusta.)

[47.]

---------------

*See VOL. XLVII, Part II, p. 1094.

+For reply, see ibid., p. 1103.

---------------