as transportation by one of the railways can be procured. Major Cameron, who has charge of such shipments, has been instructed to give preference to the cotton now hwld when it cannot be safely burned.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ARCHER ANDERSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA,
Wilmington, February 7, 1865.

Brigadier General L. S. BAKER,

Goldsborough:

GENERAL: The indications seem to favor active movements by the enemy against you from New Berne. The commanding general desires you, therefore, to hold your troops in hand and to use all possible means to keep fully advised. Your cavalry should be kept in the enemy's immediate presence, and be required to send daily reports of observations, and make occasional dashes on the flanks or rear of the Federals to harass them and retard their operations. To accomplish these objects it will be necessary to concentrate it as far as practicable

Very respectfully, &c.,

ARCHER ANDERSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

RICHMOND, VA., February 8, 1865.

General R. E. LEE,

Commanding Armies, &c.:

GENERAL: Generral Ripley visits your for the purpose of presenting to you his views in regard to matters in Sourt Carolina, and more particularly the city of Charleston. I would be happy if you would afford him the opportunity of giving him and audience on the subvvjects mentioned, being those concerning which your suggestions to General Beauregard are desired.

Very truly and respectfully, yours,

JEFF'N DAVIS.

AUGUSTA, February 8, 1865.

(Received 8. 40 a. m. 9th.)

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

Enemy cut railroad to Charleston yesterday morning near Blackville. Lee's corps is in position on the sourth fork of the Edisto, protecting the approaches to Columbia. Head of Cheatham's corps arrived here last night. McLaws' division is at and about Branchville. I shall leave here to-morrow for Columbia.

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

General.