near the shore, but a party of sixmen fired on her. She moved off. During the time they were sounding signaling was kep up between and a tug. Their distance about one mile from shore.

Dispatch from Graham's just received says that a barge has been moving about mouth of creek also engaged in sounding. One of the steamers has just gone up to mouth of creek.

Respectfully,

M. J. KIRK,

Captain.

BATTERY MARSHALL,

February 16, 1865-2. 20 p. m.

SIGNAL OPERATOR,

Palmetto Battery:

Be ready to mve at a moment's notice. Save all the most valuable Government property. Orders and messages burnt.

METARD,

Sergeant.

BATTERY MARSHALL,

February 16, 1865-2. 45 p. m.

SIGNAL OPERATOR,

Palmetto Battery:

Keep an extraordinary good watch on G---. Destroy all papers. Keep none.

METARD, Sergeant.

HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE WEST,
Columbia, S. C., February 16, 1865.

Major General B. F. CHEATHAM,

Commanding Corps:

GENERAL: General Beauregard directs me to say that, as the enemy now occupies a position between his forces and those under yourself, he deems it best that you move to the Greenville railroad at theneaest point and, if forced by the enemy, take cars with your command to Abbeville and await further orders, reporting to these headquarters your arrival and the condition of your command. You will also report to Major General D. H. Hill your movements, that Lieutenant-General Stewart may be kept advised.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN M. OTEY,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

AUGUSTA, GA., February 16, 1865-10. 30 p. m.

General WALTHALL:

GENERAL: I am sorry that the wagons were not sent out as ordered last night. This may delay your movement until to-morrow, and then your march so far in rear of Cheatham willbe hazardous. You ought to get as near him as possible. General Young, with a strong cavalry