You were told in a former letter of the arrest of R. H. Alvey. The importance of the event is scarcely exceeded by the manner in which it was consummated, and which is worth relating. Capt. Billy McMullin, of the Philadelphia Independent Rangers, who act as Gen. Patterson's body-guard, is the ‘ sharp ’ man of this military division. One night last week a picket guard stopped a man on the road to Hagerstown, who answered the guard's inquiries by saying that he wished to see Gen. Patterson; but when about to be introduced at Headquarters, wished to evade the interview. He was instantly seized and searched, and despatches were found upon him from the rebel Gen. Johnston to Mr. Alvey. McMullin forthwith stripped the rebel spy, dressed one of his own men in the rebel's clothes, gave him Johnston's letter, and started him off to see Mr. Alvey. The despatches, however, had been nicely opened, copies taken, and then resealed.
McMullin's man was received by Alvey, who thus fell into the trap most beautifully. Alvey unfolded all his plans, and gave him written answers to Johnston's despatches. The supposed friend conveyed Alvey's documents to Gen. Patterson. The arrest took place quietly the next day. When Alvey was confronted with the documents, and the indisputable evidence of his own treachery, it is said he was completely unmanned, and sank under the burden of his guilt.--Buffalo Express, July 3.
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The arrest of R. H. Alvey.--A correspondent at Hagerstown, Md., says:--
Van Nostrand. New York, New York. 1862.
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