[
344]
When compelled to fall back from the railroad you will defend the crossings of the
Edisto above
Branchville, operating in conjunction with
General Stevenson for the protection of
Columbia, and the crossings of the
Congaree above and below that city.
The remainder of your force (say about one brigade) left south of the
Salkehatchie will retire fighting in the direction of
Augusta, holding the enemy in check wherever practicable.
It will be sent to rejoin you as soon as circumstances will permit.
Continue to keep
General Hill advised of your movements, and of those of the enemy.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
On the 6th it was still uncertain whether the enemy, after reaching
Branchville, would attempt to strike
Augusta,
Columbia, or
Charleston.
He was, no doubt, inclined to move on the two last at once, and our force was insufficient to check his progress.
He was advancing upon the Charleston Railroad,
General Wheeler striving to get between him and
Augusta, and having all bridges below Holman's Bridge destroyed.
The following telegram from
General Beauregard to
General Cooper, dated Augusta., February 8th, 1865, describes the situation then existing:
Enemy cut railroad to Charleston yesterday (the 7th) near Blackville.
Lee's corps is in position on south fork of Edisto, protecting approaches to Columbia.
Head of Cheatham's corps arrived here last night.
McLaws's division is at and about Branchville.
I shall leave here to-morrow for Columbia.
Upon reaching
Columbia, about noon on the 10th,
General Beauregard immediately telegraphed
General Hardee advising the concentration of his forces from the
Combahee line to a line behind the
Edisto, so as to shorten it as much as possible.
On the day following, in answer to
General Hardee, who had informed him of the crossing of the enemy to
James Island in front of his works,
General Beauregard forwarded the following telegram:
By late movements of the enemy it is apparent that he intends to move upon
Charleston, or to cut off your communications along the Northeastern Railroad.
It is therefore advisable that you proceed to execute, as soon as possible, the movement agreed upon the 2d instant.
Guard well your left flank and the crossings of the
Santee.
