HEADQUARTERS OUTPOSTS,
April 20, 1864-9.25 a. m.

Major-General PECK,

Commanding:

I have two deserters from the Twenty-ninth Virginia; they confirm what the others said. Little Washington and Plymouth are to be taken, after which New Berne; but I am satisfied that six days' subsistence is all they have. General Corse has gone back to Kinston. I am surmising that he will move on me as the work at other points progresses. I am seeking all the information I can, and will transmit.

P. J. CLAASSEN,

Colonel, Commanding Outposts.

HEADQUARTERS OUTPOSTS, April 20, 1864.

General PALMER,
Commanding:

I have the honor to acknowledge your telegram. I differ as to main attack, from certain dispositions of the rebel pickets on my front. I am now making arrangements to ascertain their movements, of which I will advise you.

P. J. CLAASSEN,

Colonel, Commanding Outposts.

NEW YORK, April 21, 1864.

(Received 4.10 p. m.)

Major-General HALLECK,

Chief of Staff:

About 2,800 troops can be sent on at once, and this does not include recruits, the number of which I will ascertain this evening. The number of old troops to be sent can be increased if authority be given to call one or two selected regiments of State militia into the service for duty as guards, escorts, &c. I think that this should be done. The troops leaving will be advised that an officer will meet them at Washington deport to give them their immediate destination. General Stannard will telegraph to you of each detachment.

ED. R. S. CANBY,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
April 21, 1864-2.40 p. m.

COMMANDING OFFICER ENGINEER BRIGADE:

I wrote you by mail on the 19th in reply to your dispatch of that date, and at the same time requested that you would use the cipher when replying by telegraph to confidential communications. Land transportation will not be needed. The Fifteenth Regiment will go with the bridging.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Major-General and Chief of Staff.