HDQRS. ARMY AND DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA,
New Berne, N. C., February 12, 1864.

Major-General BUTLER,

Commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina:

GENERAL: I regret to state that 53 loyal North Carolinians were captured at the outposts during the recent operations. Had I been here I should have kept them in our main defenses, since nearly all of them are deserters from the rebel service. My impressions are they will try them and punish them severely in view of the crumbling condition of the Confederacy. Doubtless extra severity will be meted out because they are North Carolinians.

Fear of detection and death in case of capture will, I fear, break up our recruiting service, which has been so successful. Under the circumstances I deem it my duty to call upon General Pickett for the same protection and treatment for these prisoners as was extended to the others. I much need your advice in this matter, and hope you will be able to give it in time.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. J. PECK,

Major-General.

GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Numbers 20.
DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND N. CAROLINA, Fort Monroe, Va., February 12, 1864.

All estates in this department abandoned or now occupied by rebels will be turned over by the military commanders, to be taken possession of by the superintendent of negro affairs or Treasury agent.

By command of Major General B. F. Butler:

R. S. DAVIS,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.

GARNETT'S MOUNTAIN SIGNAL STATION,

February 13, 1864.

COMMANDING OFFICER FIRST ARMY CORPS:

All quiet; no change in our front. A deserter coming in last night reports a brigade of cavalry encamped near Barnett's Ford.

J. C. WIGGINS,

Signal Officer.

GARNETT'S MOUNTAIN, February 13, 1864-5 p. m.

COMMANDING OFFICER FIRST ARMY CORPS:

Heavy smoke near Barnett's Ford seems to confirm report of deserter. All quiet.

WIGGINS,

Signal Officer.

[Indorsement.]

General MERRITT,

Cavalry Division:

DEAR GENERAL: I do not see any new in these dispatches, but I send them to you. Please return.

JOHN NEWTON,

Major-General.