NEW BERNE, February 2, 1864- 9. 40 p. m.

Lieutenant JOHNSON,

Commanding, &c.:

Spike, bury, or conceal your gun; then gather everything you can and come in quietly. Destroy ammunition you cannot bring. Your men can pack a good deal of their effects if you come slowly. Send a messenger to the commanding officer at Havelock and tell him to do the same thing there and to follow you. When you arrive here report to your regiment and also to me. Answer this and tell me if you perfectly understand it.

You had better not try to burn things, for it might lead to the discovery of what you were doing. You need not wait for the company at Havelock. Let them follow, and you must tell them the best route to come.

PALMER,

Brigadier- General.

WASHINGTON, D. C., February 3, 1864- 4. 30 p. m.

Major- General SEDGWICK,

Army of the Potomac:

Please communicate directly with General B. F. Butler, Fort Monroe, in regard to his proposed movements.

H. W. HALLECK,

General- in- Chief.

FORT MONROE, VA., February 3, 1864- 6 p. m.

Major - General SEDGWICK,

Commanding Army of the Potomac:

I am directed by General Halleck to telegraph you directly in regard to possible co-operation in a movement which I desire to make. Some 8,000 of Lee's army have gone into North Carolina, or perhaps more, and are now attacking New Berne. Can yu make a forward movement which will draw Lee's troops from Richmond to your front! Can that be done as early as Saturday! Telegraph to what extent you can move.

B. F. BUTLER,

Major- General.

GARNETT'S MOUNTAIN, February 3, 1864- 1. 30 p. m.

Major- General Newton,and

CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER,

Army of the Potomac:

The enemy's camp 20 degrees west of south and distant about 8 miles from this point has been broken up. Troops in line with five wagons in front. No other change.

WIGGINS and CAMP.

Signal Officers.