Alfred Roman, The military operations of General Beauregard in the war between the states, 1861 to 1865

Appendix to chapter XLV.

Headquarteirs Military division of the West, Columbia, S. C., Feb. 16th, 1865.
Major-Genl. B. F. Cheatham, Comdg. 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 the nearest 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,

Jno. M. Otey, Lieut.-Col., and A. A. G.

Headquarters, Military division of the West, seven miles from Columbia, on Rice Creek Spring road, Feb. 17th, 1865.
Lieut.-Genl. W. Hampton, Comdg. Cavalry:

General,—General Beauregard wishes you to inform General Stevenson that, in view of the danger of the enemy crossing Broad River above Wheeler's right, it is deemed best that Stevenson and his command should reach Cookham tonight, between Big Cedar and Little Cedar Creek; and his train, the vicinity of Ridgeway, if possible. Cookham is about eighteen miles from Columbia; Ridgeway, about twenty-five miles.

The cavalry will necessarily follow its movements. Delay the enemy as much as possible. I will await at Killian's Station to hear from you.

The General wishes you to keep him advised of the enemy's movements.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

Jno. M. Otey, Lieut.-Col., and A. A. G.

Headquarters, Military division of the West, Columbia, S. C., Feb. 17th, 1865.
Col. G. W. Brent, A. A. G., Augusta, Ga.:

Colonel,—We leave here this morning, retreating in the direction of Charlotte, N. C. Chesterville, S. C., is the first point of concentration, and if it cannot be accomplished there, then Charlotte.

Every inch of ground will be contested, and it is hoped Cheatham and Stewart may reach Charlotte at least in time to join us. Let the orders for Cheatham and Stewart to join us remain in force and be executed with the least delay practicable, by the best and shortest routes, according to existing circumstances. The following routes might be followed by troops and trains moving to Chesterville or Charlotte, according to circumstances.