NEW BERNE, N. C., February 1, 1864.

Colonel BARNEY:

Our forces at New Berne are attacked in force; the enemy is at Brice's Creek. Prepare for attack on your front. Have all surplus stores packed. I have sent for arms for your recruits. There is a telegraph operator at Croatan; open communication with that post at once.

J. JOURDAN,

Colonel.

NEW BERNE, February 1, 1864-5. 40 a. m.

Colonel CLAASSEN:

Dispatch received. * A section of artillery will be sent at once, and the garrison aroused. Hold on as long as possible, but remember that any persistent defense of the post of New Berne must be made here, not at the outposts. Keep me advised.

I. N. PALMER,

Brigadier-General.

NEW BERNE, N. C., February 1, 1864-9. 05 a. m.

Colonel J. JOURDAN,

Morehead City:

Have the One hundred and fifty-eighth New York in readiness to come up at once. A train will be sent down for the men. They are to come without rations. Pickett's division is said to be on our front, and we may expect a siege.

I. N. PALMER,

Brigadier-General.

MOOREHEAD, February 1, 1864-10. 30 a. m.

General PALMER:

Please inform me at what time the detached posts at Croatan and Havelock had better be withdrawn to prevent capture. I have not means of determining at this end of the route.

J. JOURDAN,

Colonel.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 2, 1864-6. 30 p. m.

(Received 8. 30 p. m.)

Major-General HALLECK:

The scouts did not return until late to-day. The information they bring from the Shenandoah Valley, in the vicinity of Luray, is not later than last Wednesday. At this time no movement of troops in the valley was going on, and none reported as about being made.

JOHN SEDGWICK,
Major-General, Commanding.

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*See p. 67.

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