Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1864-12-02
OIL LEASES
~THE LATE D1sAsrER AT Nav oRTPT

E6 THE LATE DIsAsTER AT NEW CREEK.
The history of the late disaster to our arms
at New Creek station, as far as we have
been able to learn, is about as follows: On
Saturday last, small force under Major
Fleming and another small force under
Msjor Potts were sent out from New Greek,
with instructions TO attack the town Of
Moorefeld, where only a small gang of
McNel's rebels were supposed to be sta
toned. Major Potts met with no opposi-
ton on the south side of the town, but
Major Fleming was attacked by large
force of rebels and twenty of his men were
killed, wounded and captured, Major Elem.
ing himself being among the latter. This
force retreated upon New Greek reaching
the station on Sunday, and giving the
alarm. No particular preparations appear
to have been made for an attack and no
alarm appears to have been occasioned at
New Creek by the return of portion OF
Major Flemmiug's defeated command. On
Monday morning the rebels came slowly
down upon New Greek, the advance being
attired in our uniform. Surprising the ap-
preaching force to be the returning COM
mand of Major Potts, our men allowed the
rebels to come within thirty yards of the
Notifications when they (the rebs) set up
a horrible yell and charged down with
great fury upon the fort. Our men were
completely panic stricken and abandoned
the fort without firing gun. In fact the
whole command was completely democrat.
Eed, and it was in vain that some of the
officers attempted to rally the confused
squads.
The rebels, about one thousand in num-
Der, now had everything their own way
They burned the Oommissary stores and
other gov eminent and private property,
and captured about two hundred and fifty
citizens and soldiers, including the greater
portion of Holmes battery, some of whom
have since made their escape. They also
captured about two hundred and fifty cat
tie, eight hundred horses, three thou
sand pair of pantaloons, as many
shirts and some other government
clothing aud property. The rebels were
particularly cruel towards the negroes
found at the station. One negro was shot
dead and many others were fred upon
A lot of shells deposited among the com.
missary stores exploded while the building
was being consumed by fire, adding great
ly to the alarm and CONSERVATION which
already prevailed.
A force of rebels went up to Piedmont
and after meeting with gallant resistance
from Captain Fishers command hurried to
set fire to the Round House at that place
as before stated, but soon took their de-
parture.
The whole of General Payne's command
then retreated in the direction of Moore
field.
On Friday night Major Potts with his
command arrived at Piedmont, bringing
fourteen rebel prisoners. Major P. had
heard of the defeat of Fleming and had
followed Payne's command towards New
Greek, picking up his stragglers. Hearing
of the disaster at New Greek he marched
for Piedmont thus escaping defeat aud
capture as he could not have successfully
contended with so large rebel force.
We learn that Mr.. D. Nc. Martin form
erly member of Col. Latham's End West
Va. infantry, but recently employed in the
drug store of E. Booking of this city, was
captured at New Greek, aud taken away
by the rebels.
Col. Latham and Capt. Holmes are both
at New Creek, having kept out of the
clutches of the enemy by taking to the
bushes.