I had informed Schofield by telegraph of the departure of Mahone's division, south from the Petersburg front.
These troops marched down the Weldon road, and, as they apparently went without baggage, it is doubtful whether they have not returned.

I was absent from here when they left.

Just returned yesterday morning from Cape Fear River.

I went there to determine where Schofield's corps had better go to operate against Wilmington and Goldsboro'.

The instructions with this will inform you of the conclusion arrived at.
Schofield was with me, and the plan of the movement against Wilmington fully determined before we started back; hence the absence of more detailed instructions to him.