operate on the lower Potomac to aid smuggling near Port Tobacco Gordonsville railway in very bad condition. Great destitution in Richmond. Kershaw's division, Early's army, stationed at Darbytown road; north side James River. This obtained from five refugees; one from Richmond arrived to-day. Battery here safe.

W. GAMBLE,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

FAIRFAX COURT-HOUSE, December 6, 1864.

(Received 7 p. m.)

Lieutenant Colonel J. H. TAYLOR,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

COLONEL: I have the honor to report all quiet along the line of my command. Six refugees were forwarded this morning to Colonel Ingraham. Captain Scott's battery has just arrived.

Very respectfully,

W. GAMBLE,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

HEADQUARTERS PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, DEFENSES SOUTH OF THE POTOMAC,
Alexandria, Va., December 6, 1864. (Received 7 p. m.)

Colonel TAYLOR,

Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant-General:

COLONEL: It is reported that about 8 o'clock this a. m. a squad of ten of Mosby's men were at the Ten-Mile House on the Little River pike. A body of our cavalry came along and the rebels went in the direction of Flint Hill. They are armed with pistols only. They are supposed to be encamped near Spear's or Flint Hill.

H. H. WELLS,

Colonel and Provost-Marshal-General, Defenses, &c.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA,
December 6, 1864.

Major WILLIAM RUSSELL, Jr.,

Assistant Adjutant-General of Cavalry:

MAJOR: The patrol from Front Royal has returned and reports no change in affairs in that direction. Small parties were seen but made no demonstrations. The patrol to Berry's Ferry and Swift Shoal reports all quiet. They exchanged shots with a party of twelve rebels on the east bank, but saw nothing else. The patrols to Morgan's and Howellsville Fords have not returned.

Respectfully, &c.,

WM. B. TIBBITS,

Brevet Major-General, Commanding.