Transcript [excerpt p2]
Therefore I am moving as hitherto designed for the Railroad west of Branchville, then swing across to Orangeburg, which will interpose my Army between Charleston and the Interior. Contemporaneous with this Foster will demonstrate up the [illeg.] and afterwards make a lookout at Bulls Bay and occupy the Common Road which leads from Mount Pleasant towards Georgetown. When I get to Columbia I think I shall move straight for Goldsboro via Fayetteville. By this circuit I cut all Roads and devastate the land; and the forces along the Coast commanded by Foster will follow by movement taking anything the Enemy lets go or so occupies his attention that he cannot attack all his forces against me. I feel sure of getting Wilmington & maybe Charleston: and being at Goldsboro with its railroad finished back to Morehead City & Wilmington. I can easily take Raleigh, when it seems that Lee must come out of his trenches or allow his Army to be assaulted instead.