I would also say to you that Heathsville has been for a long time a depot for smugglers, and that Richmond traders frequently come there to lay in their stock of merchandise.

It is unnecessary for me to give you the localities of different places, roads, &c., You have more facilities than I have to know of them; but should you thin of anything that I might be of service to you, please command me.

Respectfully, &c.,

J. L. McPHAIL,

Provost-Marshal-General, State of Maryland.

[Indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY,
December 31, 1862

Respectfully forwarded to Major-General Burnside, commanding, &c.,

for his information.

By order of Major-General Halleck:

J. C. KELTON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

BALTIMORE, MD., December 30, 1862,

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief:

The following dispatch has been received from Colonel Galligher, commanding Thirteenth Pennsylvania Regiment of Cavalry, at Point of Rocks:

POINT OF ROCKS, MD.,

December 30, 1862-10.45 a.m.

Major-General SCHENCK, Baltimore:

I have information that Stuart is crossing at Harrison's Island, 15 miles below. Commenced at 2 o'clock this morning. I have no battery or troops, except my own regiment.

J. A. GALLIGHER,

Colonel Thirteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry.

General Kelley has been ordered to send whatever cavalry he has and a battery from Harper's Ferry in pursuit;

ROBT. C. SCHENCK,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS EIGHTH ARMY CORPS,
Baltimore, December 30, 1862.

Colonel S. H. ALLEN,

Commanding Frederick City, Md.:

Information has been received that Stuart's cavalry are crossing the Potomac at Harrison's Island, 15 miles below Point of Rocks. They are said to have commenced at 2 a.m. to-day. Be on your guard, and make your dispositions for the protection of Frederick, and, if necessary, to co-operate with Colonel Truex at the bridge.

ROBT. C. SCHENCK,

Major-General, Commanding.