point at which the enemy can be brought to a stand. I fear Wilmington will have to be evacuated and Bragg fall back in the same direction; nor, unless the enemy can be beaten, can Richmond be held. I think it prudent that preparations be made at all these points in anticipation of what may be necessary to be done. The cotton and tobacco in Richmond and Petersburg not necessary should be quietly removed also. General Beauregard makes no mention of what he proposes or what he can do, or where his troops are. He does not appear from his dispatches to be able to do much.

With great respect, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,

General.

[47.]

WINNSBOROUGH, February 20, 1865-2.10 p. m.

General G. T. BEAUREGARD,

White Oak Station:

Fourteenth Corps is moving on Monticello and Chesterville road. Is now six miles north of Monticello.

J. WHEELER,

Major-General.

[47.]

HEADQUARTERS,
February 23, 1865.

His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS,

President Confederate States:

Mr. PRESIDENT: I have received the copy of General Beauregard's dispatch of 21st instant, and wish it was in our power to carry out his plan. The idea is good, but the means are lacking. I have directed all the available troops in the Southern Department to be concentrated, with a view to embarrass if they cannot arrest Sherman's progress, and still hope that he cannot make the march contemplated by General Beauregard. I think it probable he may turn east by Camden toward the coast. It seems to me he ought not to be allowed to gather sufficient supplies for his journey, and indeed I do not know where they can be obtained. Our troops seem to be much scattered, but by diligence and boldness they can be united. I am much obliged to Your Excellency for ordering General Johnston to report to me. I have placed him in command of the army operating against Sherman, and directed him to assign General Beauregard to duty with him. General Beauregard is a good soldier, and I know will cheerfully and heartily co-operate with him. I hope for favorable results from their union and that Sherman may still be driven back. I have heard from many sources that General Beauregard's health was very feeble and feared he might entirely give way before he was willing to announce it. I know of no one who had so much the confidence of the troops and people as General Johnston, and believe he has capacity for the command. I shall do all in my power to strengthen him, and should he be forced to cross the Roanoke, unite with him in a blow against Sherman before the latter can join General Grant. This will necessitate the abandonment of our position on James River, for which contingency every preparation should be made. General Gilmer has arrived at General Beauregard's headquarters (Charlotte), and will be of much service to him.

I am, with great respect, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,

General.

[47.]