date. So soon as a return of the troops in and en route to Florida is received, a complete departmental return will be forwarded you with the least delay practicable.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

General, Commanding.

CHARLESTON, S. C., February 22, 1864.

Major General W. H. C. WHITING,

Wilmington, N. C.:

General Finegan met enemy at or near Olustee, Fla., on 20th instant, in full force under Seymour, and defeated him with heavy loss. We have field of battle, enemy's killed and wounded, five pieces of artillery, large number of small-arms and prisoners, and our cavalry is pursuing. Our loss about 250 officers and men killed and wounded.

THOMAS JORDAN.

(Same sent to General Mackall, chief of staff, Dalton, Ga., and Major General D. H. Maury, Mobile, Ala.)

CHARLESTON, S. C., February 22, 1864.

Brigadier General R. S. RIPLEY,

Mount Pleasant:

Finegan has defeated Seymour of Olustee, Fla., with heavy loss to enemy; possession of field of battle, five pieces of artillery, large number of small-arms, and prisoners and the enemy's killed and wounded. Our cavalry pursuing with vigor.

THOMAS JORDAN,

Chief of Staff.

(Same sent Brigadier General J. Hagood, James Island.)

CHARLESTON, S. C., February 22, 1864.

Brigadier General R. S RIPLEY,

Mount Pleasant:

Send the Holcombe Legion, with three days' rations and 100 rounds of ammunition, in light marching order, to report to Brigadier-General Mercer, at Savannah, with transportation. Transportation will be ordered. Acknowledge dispatch.

By command of General Beauregard:

JNO. M. OTEY,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

CHARLESTON, S. C., February 22, 1864.

Brigadier General W. S. WALKER,

Pocotaligo, S. C.:

Send the six companies of the Twelfth Georgia Battalion to Savannah to report to General Mercer.

By command of General Beauregard:

JNO. M. OTEY,

Assistant Adjutant-General.