[Inclosure Numbers 1.]

HEADQUARTERS, January 20, 1864.

[Major General W. H. C. WHITING:]

GENERAL: An attack on New Berne is contemplated by the forces under command of General Pickett. The time will be between 25th and 30th instant. I request you will give all the assistance in your power, threatening simultaneously with your troops north of the Cape Fear the enemy's positions, so as to prevent their re-enforcing New Berne. General Pickett will telegraph you the day, by which you will know what is meant. Commit nothing to the telegraph on the subject. Keep the matter secret.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE,

General.

[Inclosure Numbers 2.]

HEADQUARTERS MARTIN'S BRIGADE,
Thirty-four miles from Wilmington, Jan. 29, 1864-4 p. m.

General BARTON,

Commanding Troops, Kinston, N. C.:

GENERAL: My command (two regiments and a battery) will be here to-night and at Jacksonville, 19 miles hence, about noon to-morrow. Thence I shall move to White Oak (Smith's Mill), where I hope to receive some information or directions as to my further movements, especially as to time. Please let me hear something.

Very respectfully,

J. G. MARTIN,

Brigadier-General.

[Inclosure Numbers 3.]

MILL CREEK, 12 MILES FROM NEW BERNE,

January 31, 1864.

[Brigadier General J. G. MARTIN:]

GENERAL: All goes smoothly with us. You will hear us at work in the morning. I am afraid you will not reach the point designated by Pickett] at the time we expected; nevertheless, push on and reach there as quickly as possible. I will keep you advised.

S. M. B.

[Inclosure Numbers 4.]

SMITH'S MILL, WHITE OAK CREEK,

February 1, 1864-8 a. m.

General BARTON,

Mill Creek:

GENERAL: My artillery is now crossing the bridge I had made last night. If for any reason you fall back inform me promptly, as my rear is entirely uncovered except by your force. I leave couriers on the road. It is 40 miles hence to Sheppardsville. Please keep me informed. I have not yet heard your guns.

Yours, respectfully,

J. G. MARTIN,

Brigadier-General.