| Headquarters Military Division of the West |
| White Oak, 8 miles north of Winnsborough, S. C. |
| February 19, 1865 |
| |
| Lieut. Gen. A. P. Stewart and Maj. Gen. B. F.
Cheatham |
| Commanding Corps |
| |
| Generals, |
| General Beauregard directs that your two
corps be concentrated as soon as possible, and, as it is now out of
your power to form a junction with the troops on this side of Broad
River, he directs that the corps, combined with the cavalry now with
them, move as rapidly as possible by the best routes to Statesburg
or Manchester, S.C., and thence by rail, via Florence, S.C., and
Wilmington, to Greensborough, N. C.
{Wilmington & Manchester RR and Wilmington & Weldon RR} The
commanding general would suggest that if the enemy has left
Columbia, S.C., the corps move via that point, crossing the Wateree
at Garner's or Starr's Ferry. Details should be sent forward to
collect boats at the proper points of crossing and provisions along
the line of march. Your artillery and wagon trains should also go by
rail. You will not fail to communicate with these headquarters by
telegraph immediately upon your arrival at the first telegraph
station. |
| I am, general, very respectfully, your
obedient servant, |
| Jno. M. Otey |
| Assistant Adjutnt-General |
|