1865, and the troops will exchange quarters. Chambliss', Young's, and Barringer's brigades of cavalry are at or near Belfield; the railroad is being repaired this side of that point, and cavalry details are at work on it. Dearing's brigade is camped near Burgess' Mill and picket on immediate right (enemy's right) of infantry. No information going to show that anything but Hoke's division has left this army for Wilmington.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNumbers C. BABCOCK.

WALTHALL SIGNAL STATION,

December 30, 1864-4 p. m.

Captain PAINE:

All quiet this p. m. No change to report. The following was intercepted:

STEUART'S FRONT-11 A. M.

Colonel B[BRENT]:

No change since last report. All quiet in our front.

From C: "Small increase of tents in camp to left of open space. Two steamers off Strahan's upper landing. Gun-boat above Port Walthall."

R.,

Sergeant, at C.

11.30 A. M.

Colonel B[RENT]:

A large steamer just left Strahan's upper landing and gone down the river.

R.,

Sergeant, at C.

(Same to A. B.)

A small steamer just passed down the river.

R.,

Sergeant, at C.

(Same to A. B.)

2.30 P. M.

Colonel B[RENT]:

I noticed the usual drilling this morning behind Battery A. Working party again engaged on new battery and to our right of C. At 11 a. m. two regiments of infantry drilled in open field on north side of the James River. Nothing unusual at Dutch Gap. Very few wagons have passed during the day.

From Dunn's: "Steamer went up the river and returned in about an hour."

R.,

Sergeant, at C.

(Same to A. B.)

3.15.

Major P.:

Evening report: There have passed rear of Battery 5, going toward enemy's left, three trains-one of eight box-cars, the others of very few boxes, and twenty-five wagons. Rear of same battery, going toward City Point, three small trains and twenty wagons.

W.,

Sergeant, at D.

H. W. HOLMAN,

Sergeant.