From either point, railroad communications can be run out, there being here abundance of rolling-stock suited to the gauge of those roads.
There have been about sixteen thousand men sent from Lee's army south.
Of these, you will have fourteen thousand against you, if Wilmington is not held by the enemy, casualties at Fort Fisher having overtaken about two thousand.
All these troops are subject to your orders as you come in communication with them.

They will be so instructed.

From about Richmond I will watch Lee closely, and if he detaches much more, or attempts to evacuate, will pitch in.

In the meantime, should you be brought to a halt anywhere, I can send two corps of thirty thousand effective men to your support, from the troops about Richmond.
To resume: Canby is ordered to operate to the interior from the Gulf.
A.J.Smith may go from the north, but I think it doubtful.

A force of twenty-eight or thirty thousand will co-operate with you from New Bern or Wilmington, or both.