OR, Series 1, Vol. 47, Part 2, Page 1222

White Oak, S. C. February 19, 1865 -- 10 p. m.
(Received 8:30 p. m. 20th)
 
General R. E. Lee
 
   After close examination, and exerting every means in my power, I find it impossible for the troops now in Charleston to form a junction with me this side of Greensborough. Believing it best, from information just received from Governor Vance and General Bragg, to transport the troops by rail to that point, I have directed General McLaws to move them by rail as rapidly as possible. I am also of the opinion that Cheatham, at Newberry {on Greenville & Columbia RR} this morning with 2,000 men, and Stewart, eighteen hours behind him, with 1,200 men, cannot form a junction with me except by moving across via Statesburg and Manchester, and thence by rail to Greensborough. This movement will require some days, owing to difficulties of crossing the Broad and Wateree Rivers. 
   The enemy has advanced to-day to near Winnsborough in force, and is still moving along the {Charlotte & South Carolina} railroad, keeping between this place and Broad River, thus cutting off Cheatham and Stewart.
G. T. Beauregard

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