Cheraw, February 28, 1865 -- 12 m
| |
| General J. E. Johnston |
| |
| General, |
| Since my dispatch to you yesterday I
learn from Major General Butler that the Seventeenth Army Corps
crossed yesterday at Young's Bridge, on Lynch's Creek, and that the
Fifteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps are marching on this place. His
dispatch was dated at 6 p.m. yesterday at Kellytown. General Butler
stated his intention of moving last night, so as to get between
Cheraw and the enemy. I regret to state that the troops I mentioned
as being in rear, and which I expected here last night with the
artillery, have not arrived. There has been no arrival of trains
since yesterday afternoon. I have sent down an engine to learn the
cause. I do not apprehend that the road {Charlotte &
South Carolina RR} is cut, but that there has
been some collision I have no doubt. This road, like all others in
the Confederacy, is wretchedly managed. With proper management I
ought to have had everything here by this time. I have serious
apprehensions that the troops in rear will not reach here before I
am compelled to evacuate the place. This matter gives me serious
concern, but I have the satisfaction of feeling that I have used
every exertion and taken every precaution to insure their safety. A
rapid march of the enemy will bring him here tomorrow. If he takes
the direct road to this place I shall oppose him at Thompson's
Creek. |
| With high respect, your obedient servant, |
| W. J. Hardee |
| Lieutenant-General |
| {Also at OR, Series 1, Vol. 47,
Part 2, Page 1072} |
|