MARTINSBURG, December 3, 1864.

Brigadier-General STEVENSON:

Colonel Porter, commanding brigade, Nineteenth Army Corps, has his orders. I dislike to have this post left exposed. Colonel Rust's command, I hear, will be back to-night.

J. A. J. LIGHTBURN,

General, Commanding.

HARPER'S FERRY, December 3, 1864.

General LIGHTBURN:

Rust's command has been ordered back to Martinsburg. Telegraph General Kelley for them.

JOHN S. STEVENSON,

Brigadier-General.

HARPER'S FERRY, December 3, 1864.

General LIGHTBURN:

Rust's brigade left Cumberland last night for Martinsburg.

JOHN D. STEVENSON,

Brigadier-General.

MARTINSBURG, December 3, 1864.

Brigadier-General STEVENSON:

GENERAL: When that brigade leaves I will have no troops here except the battery alone. What shall I do about it?

J. A. J. LIGHTBURN,

Brigadier-General.

HARPER'S FERRY, W. VA., December 3, 1864.

Brigadier-General LIGHTBURN:

Call in part of your railroad guard if necessary. I think there is nothing to apprehend before Rust returns.

JOHN D. STEVENSON,

Brigadier-General.

MARTINSBURG, December 3, 1864.

Brigadier-General STEVENSON:

McNeill's band, 125 strong, is reported in our vicinity. I shall look out for him.

J. A. J. LIGHTBURN,

Brigadier-General.

CUMBERLAND, December 3, 1864-10 p. m.

Major-General CROOK:

Major Potts reports that the enemy retreated via Petersburg. Left that place before daylight on the morning of the 30th. Does not report which road he took, but I presume went toward Franklin, as he reports