John J. Peck to Daniel Butterfield, May 2, 1863

Via Fort Monroe, V. A., May 4—12.30 a. m. General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: It is important to arrive at correct conclusions regarding Longstreet’s force. You say three divisions left Fredericksburg with 24,000. My information, from more than 100 individuals, has been that his force was 28,000 to 30,000. One of the spies, who has spent weeks in their camps, supplied a list of that army, as well as Lee’s, and 28,000 was the figure on April 1. He has enforced the conscription most vigorously in several counties not heretofore visited, on this side of the Blackwater. Hehas been joined by 4,000 from Hill, and perhaps more; but the advance of Hooker will soon force him to the river. His men are ready to go at a moment’s warning.

JOHN J. PECK,