John J. Peck, November 4, 1863

GENERAL : Your communication by Captain Fitzgerald was received at 9 a, m. this day, and I hasten to say that after extraordinary exertions, I have succeeded in procuring coal from the navy and from Beaufort, and shall leave at 5 p. m. for Plymouth and Winton with a wharf boat, the Rucker, Pilot Boy, Pawtuxent, Ella May, General Berry, and a tug in addition to the Farron. The Delaware will go up, and I shall procure further naval aid from Captain Flusser.

You say nothing of your numbers, and make no allusion to forage or rations, but to guard against all accidents, I shall take five days’ forage for 2,500 animals and five days’ rations for 3,000 men,

hile writing, I learn that General Ransom has assumed command at Kinston ; General Barton has gone to the Blackwater with his brigade. What this means I am as yet unable to state.

The steamer Robert E. Lee is about leaving Wilmington with mails for General Magruder, and funds to pay the troops in Texas.

The Jersey Blue has no coal for her trip to New York, and I send her with navy coal to Fort Monroe, with this in the hands of Captain Fitzgerald. Large gangs of contrabands have gone by rail to Weldon and Wilmington. Major lence Whiting advertises for a large number for his works.

In great haste,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,