HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Camp near Falmouth, Va., April 14, 1863.

Commanding Officer, Cavalry Corps:

I am directed by the major-general commanding to forward for your information a copy of a telegram received from Major-General Peck this morning. If the enemy are the line of the Blackwater, in the number stated, he must have withdrawn all his forces from Richmond, and you can have nothing to apprehend from there. This information must not delay of divert you from the main object of your expedition, as set fourth in your instructions. The general is exceedingly anxious that you should be at your work on the Aquia and Richmond lines at the earliest practicable moment

Very respectfully, &c.,

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
April 14, 1863. (Received 10.20 a. m.)

POSTMASTER, Washington, D. C.:

Major-General Hooker, commanding this army, would like to have the entire mails of to-day from his army detained twenty-four hours in your office, if you can do so with propriety. He has very urgent reasons for making this request, as you may readily imagine. Inform me whether or not you will comply.

RUFUS INGALLS

Colonel and Quartermaster.

WASHINGTON, D. C., April 14, 1863-5.30 p. m.

Major-General HOOKER:

Would like to have a letter from you as soon as convenient.

A. LINCOLN.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
April 14, 1863-11 p. m. (Received 11.15 p. m.)

His Excellency A. LINCOLN, President of the United States:

I had support the enemy were attacking Peck to prevent his re-enforcing Foster; but if with the numbers alleged, it must be for a more important purpose. As soon as Stoneman's designs are discovered to the enemy, Peck will be relieved. The enemy have not to exceed 30, 000 men between Richmond and Suffolk, including both of those towns.

JOSEPH HOOKER,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
April 14, 1863. (Received 7.50 p. m.)

Honorable E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War:

I have the honor to transmit herewith copies of my telegram to Major-General Halleck and his reply thereto. I respectfully request that these be laid before the President of the United States without delay.

JOSEPH HOOKER,

Major-General, Commanding.

14 R R-VOL XXV, PT II