J. R. Davis, arrived recently from Goldsborough; also a brigade of South Carolinians, under General [John] Bratton. He is strong in cavalry and artillery.

Ever since my arrival, the enemy has been impressed with the idea that an army would attempt this route, and they have watched very closely. Much of the time their force has been greatly in excess of mine. This has been in part due to the demonstrations I have made. My force has been greatly magnified by our people, and the rebel's was rated from 30,000 to 50,000, when I had less than 12,000.

Total infantry for duty

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12,590

Total cavalry

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1,683

Total artillery

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893

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Two divisions, total for duty

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15,166

Four of my batteries are good and three are indifferent.

There is no foundation for the report of an intended evacuation of Richmond.

It will give me pleasure to advise you from time to time of any important changes made by the enemy and of the information brought to me from creditable sources.

Wishing you all success in your very responsible command, I remain, very truly, yours,

JOHN J. PECK,

Major-General.

CLARKSBURG, [April] 5, 1863.

Brigadier General B. S. ROBERTS:

Governor Peirpoint telegraphs as follows:

A number of horses were stolen last night from the head of Fishing. Watch the points. Don't catch the thieves alive.

General, there is no doubt in my mind but that this is the beginning of a concerted plan to get recruits and horses for the rebel forces. I have telegraphed to commander of post at Weston to carefully watch for the thieves.

N. WILKINSON,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington, D. C., April 6, 1863.

Honorable GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy:

SIR: The Secretary of War directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 5th ultimo, inclosing a copy of a communication from Commodore Harwood, commanding the Potomac Flotilla, in reference to the conduct of the troops at Piney Point, and to inform you that, on reference to the Adjutant-General, he has returned the same, with the report of Major General R. C. Schenck, made to him, indorsed thereon, as follows:

Respectfully returned to the Adjutant-General with the request that the attention of the Secretary of War may be especially called to the explanation of Brigadier-General Lockwood, contained in his two letters of the 19th instant. The matters herein contained, I think, should also be specially looked to by the Secretary of the Navy. General Lockwood is an officer in whose energy, discretion, and loyalty I