The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1889-10-24
A REBEL RAID.
The Disaster at New Creek, W. Va.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: The history
of this disaster to our arms, rs far as we could
learn. was about as follows: On Saturday, Nov
81. 1864 small force under Mai Fleming and
another small force under Maj. Potts, were
sent out from New Creek, with instructions to
attack the town of Moorefeld, where only
small gang of McNeil's rebels were supposed to
be stationed. Maj. Potts met with no opposi-
ton on the south side of the town; but Maj.
Fleming attacked by large force Of rebels,
and 20 of his men were killed, wounded and
captured. This force reiterated upon New
Creek. Only two scouts arrived and they Mt
about 10 o'clock on Sunday night, to give the
alarm that Maj. Jennings command was de-
feated. Col. Latham. after receiving the re-
port, went to the officer in command of tho
provost guards at the station, and instructed
him to double his guards on tho platform, and
report any firing that might be heard through
the night. Nothing happened during tho
night nor did the balance of Mai. Fleming's
mon arrive, rs has been reported. It seems
Mr. Reb lodged our guards, and on Monday
morning came slowly down on tho Greenland
Gap road to attack New Creek, the advance
being attired In our uniform. Surprising the
approaching force to be the returning command
of Maj. Potts our men allowed the rebels to
come within 80 yards of the Notifications.
when they (the rebs) set up horrible yell
and charged down with great fury upon the
iOEh. our men were completely plniE blTlCkGUt
and abandoned the fort without firing gun.
In fact. the whole command was completely
demoralized, and it was in vain that some of
the officers attempted to rally the confused
squads.
The rebels, about 1000 in number. now had
everything their own way. They harmed the
commisSary stores and other Government and
private property, and captured about 250 citi-
zens and soldiers. including the greater portion
of Capt. Holiness battery. some of whom made
their escape. They also captured about $50
cattle, 500 horses. 5000 pairs of pantaloons, az
many shirts. and some other Government
clothing aud property. The rebels were par
ticularly cruel towards the negroes found mt the
station. One was shot dead and many others
fired upon. The station guards, seeing the criti-
cal situation. started for their camp, but found
the rebels charging Capt. Day scavalry company
In front of tho postoiliee, some of whom were
trying 10 defend the camp. The station guards,
seeing their own men bad left camp, gave the
rebels a parting volley, but with what results
history or some of the command may tell the
tale, after which they crossed tho river back of
the hospital, passed up along side of the mount
ain aud made their way out. lot of shells
deposited amongst the commissary stores cx-
ploded while the building was being consumed
by FIRE adding greatly to the alarm and con-
sternation which already prevailed.
A force of rebels went up 10 Piedmont. and,
after meeting with a gallant resistance from
Capt. Fishers command, hurried to set fire 10
the round house at that place. as before stated,
but soon took their departure. The whole Of
Gen. Payne's command then retreatod In the
direction of Moorehcld. On Friday night Mai.
Potts, with his command, arrived at Piedmont,
bringing Ii rebel prisoners. Maj Potts had
heard of the defeat of Fleming and had folr
lowed Payne's command towards New Creek
picking up bis straEgers. Hearing Of tho dis.
l. -.
or Franklin. thus escaping defeat and capture.
he could not have successfully contonded
with so large rebel force. We learned that
one Of our men was killed at the second picket
post up New Creek.
Now the battery Albert Cotton refers 10
was Capt. Holiness battery The cavalry IN
the log huts in front Of the postafee. near the
river, was Capt Days company Of mounted in.
fantry, OF tho ID or 81 w. Va There was, per-
haps, few men of some OF the other companies
Of the I'd and I'd W. Va. In camp, with part OF
Go. l., 9th w. Va, but no Pennsylvania troops
in that Comrade Albert Cotton IL mistaken
Our diaries also say the disaster at New Creek
took place on Monday. Nov. 90 1894 He diff.
fers with us in this, and says Nov. "a Al all
events IT was on Monday. and makes no differ
ence If the calendar shows that day 20 have
been the 2ath. We have endeavorod TO give
our own loss az near az we can. We hope Col
Rossers or Paynes men will give q correct nc
count of their loss in your paper We also
learn that Mr.. ID. McMarlin. formerly "A mem.
Der Of Col. Latham's I'd w. Va, but once EN-.
ployed in the drug store OF T.. Booking, OF
Wheeling, was also captured at New Creek
and taken away by the rebel Col Latham. aud
Capt. Holmes kept out Of the clutches Of the
enemy by taking 20 the bushes.
The above Is taken from printed slips aud
records Of the late war OF Co l., 9th w. Va.
who were acting as proyost-guards In town
and at the station aud the guard. honse -
CORPORAL, Cos. ID aud L. 9th w. Va, Station
Guards