Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1864-01-08
L REBEL RAID IN WESTERN vIR.
GINA.

NEW CREEK, Jan. neutrality-suspicious. Baiti-
more Americana Sunday, as Govern
hundred animals, was returning from. Peters
burg, they were attacked by several hundred
rebel cavalry, and the entire train was cap
tured and run of upon the road TO Mosrf Id
The trein was guarded by one hundred aud
fifty men. The rebels rushed down from tue
hill eide woods like an avalanche, and the es-
possession OF the mules with what energy they
. could, but were finally compelled yield to gu.
perior force, and 3 large proportion. OF them
were doubtless captured, and are now on their
way to Richmond. A part of them escaped
and found their way through the mountains
into camp.
After capturing the train the rebels marched
upon the post at Wliiamsport, garrisousd by
one company Of the 23d illinois, but the boys
were awake, and retiring before the over
whelming numbers, sought the mountains,
leaving ms ny an empty saddle in the bottom.
They fanksd all the outposts OF the enemy and
arrived mere this evening.
The rebels finding clear road advanced
towards New Greek, about fifteen hundred
strong, while some three or four Thousand sur
rounded the post at Petersburg, in vesting the
command Of Colonel Tho5urn. This way thsy
advanced to Ridgeville, nine miles from us,
and halted. Colonel Mulligan, commanding
the I'd division, made preparations to receive
them, but they hnally retired. They have cap
tured a splendid transportation train, and
probably seventy 1--we men, but as yet have not
struck the railroad at any point. The forces OF
Colonel Thoburn, at last accounts, were still
safe and secure In their pOeltlO0, ana Inc fa0eiS
were <etiring toward Romney.
The following is additional:
The train was guarded by one hundred and
fifty men-sevsnty- Il We from the I'd Maryland,
fifty detailed from the 23d Illinois and list and
I4th Virginia, and abouttwsnty- five from Cap-
Mary landers were detailed from each comps-
ny Of the regiment, and were under command
of Lieutenants Pslton and Bickford. Lieuten-
ant Bckford came in safely. Lieut. Pelton is
10 has
of company H was killed.
Col. Mulliean went about the work as coolly
as though the entire Irish Brigade was st his
back. The I'd Maryland was marched into
Fort Fuller. Carlin's Battery was awake for
any eklgency, while Gen. Kelley, at Cumber-
land, was quietly ordering such mo vaments as
would meet the emergency. Col. Mnlligan
was confident OF his position, although the en-
envy Were reported to be in strong force, with
blood-red mouths open for slaughter, and a
keen relish for the large supply of warm CLOTH
W. Harrison, our old A. q. M. and now our
neo, came up from Cumberland to personally
look after the lal &c amount Of stores In his pos
session here.
Yesterday morning, Capt. Pease, inspector
general Of the second division, upon Col. Null.
ligan's staf, made a personal reconnaissance as
far as Burlington, and was met with flag OF
truce, with demand for q surrender. The
Captain parlied-he discussed the question
the flag returned to report, and the Captain took
the first rayine and escaped "fire in the rear"
too dearly to attempt to fight their way into
New Greek with Mulligan in front, and so re-
tired, sending the Colonel word that thew did
Intend to call upon him, but that the cold
weather would defer their visit until some more
convenient season. The Colonel returned for
answer that the weather cold, but il they
would pay him visit he would promise them
q rery scarm fire.
To-day Capt Pease has made reconnois-
| sance with infantry, two companies OF cav
airy and one gun, as far as Burlington, but
ffI ~ No an rny n Inn Thau nvS-
IDENTIFY intend to strike scmew here, but the
particular spot is not indicated yet If they
escape the vigilant eyes Of the Commander OF
the department they must spend no time in
sleep nor tarry upon their coming.
To sum up ALL at the present writing, the
rebels have the best Of us. They have cap
tured a splendid transportation train, and
probably rs men, but as yet have not struck
the railroad at any point. We are here still,
waiting for a call, and ready to return any
civilities Of the season that the rebels choose
TO extend to us.