eral Colston has dropped down to Zuni from Petersburg with 12,000; both are coming here in a few days. His account is very honestly given. It looks very plausible. Pryor has been receiving aid; this is conformity.

JOHN J. PECK,

Major-General.

SUFFOLK, VA., February 8, 1863.

Major-General DIX:

If there is any truth in the information conveyed in my last telegram the force under Colston must be same reported as being camped 8 miles from petersburg last week; the amounts correspond. Their plan is probably a dash for a few days, while not imperatively called for elsewhere.

Several men have deserter to the enemy.

JOHN J. PECK,

Major-General.

FORT MONROE, February 8, 1863.

Major-General PECK:

The Ninth Army Corps is ordered here. One brigade has arrived. I will let them take position at Newport News at present, ready to be thrown in any direction. Keep up your reconnaissances and advise me of any hostile movement.

JOHN A. DIX.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington, February 9, 1863 - 4 p. m.

Major-General DIX, Fort Monroe, Va.:

The Ninth Army Corps, ordered to your command, will be used as you may deem proper. It, however, should be kept together as much as possible. A portion of it may be ordered farther south immediately.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

NEW YORK, February 9, [1863.]

General M. C. MEIGS:

I think there will be no difficulty on accomplishing in New York what we talked of Saturday, for any number of men less than 12,000. If you wish I will send you a detailed report in cipher early to-morrow. It will take a few days to get things ready. You can see General Halleck.

A. E. BURNSIDE.

FORT MONROE, VA.,

February 10, 1863 - 3 a. m.

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief:

I send a dispatch just received from General Peck. I have telegraphed to the President the News in yesterday's Richmond papers, just received. The Ericsson left two hours ago with her three sub-