THE WAR IN WEST VIRGINIA: The Late Rebel Raid a Complete Failure; THE INTENTIONS OF THE ENEMY FOILED (1/10/1864)

New York Times archives – Times Machine ^ | 1/10/1864

[Homer_J_Simpson]

CUMBERLAND, Thursday, Jan. 7, 1864.

A dispatch just received from Col. THOBURN, commanding at Petersburgh, informs me that the rebel force threatening him for several days past has retreated toward the Shenandoah Valley. The force was a formidable one, consisting of three brigades LEE'S WALKER'S and ROSSER'S all under the command of Gen. FITZHUGH LEE.

Deserters report that it was the intention of LEE to capture the garrison at Petersburgh, take New Creek and Cumberland, destroy our stores, break the railroad by burning the bridges, &c., &c.

I am happy to inform you that the great raid undertaken by Gen. EARLY, in retaliation for our late movements in this department, has thus far resulted in a complete failure or fizzle. An empty wagon train of Col. THOBURN's, returning from Petersburgh, was captured by a portion of the enemy's forces. With this exception they have not thus far been able to inflict upon us any injury. Many deserters are coming in, and our cavalry are picking up many stragglers.

The railroad is safe and trains are running regularly. The weather is cold and the snow is several inches deep. B.F. KELLEY, Brig.-Gen.

CUMBERLAND, Saturday, Jan. 9.

Perhaps by mere accident, rather than through gross negligence, on the part of a rebel brigade commander, we have become possessed of an official document setting forth what was intended to be the original plan of Gen. EARLY's late operations.

I have not now the opportunity to enter into details, but in a general way will state that Gen. EARLY was to cut the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at Martinsburg, and by a combination of movements, attempt the capture of such Union forces as were between Martinsburg and New-Creek. At the latter place, Gen. EARLY,

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

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Link to previous New York Times thread

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

The War in West Virginia: The Late Rebel Raid a Complete Failure – 2
From Chattanooga: Gen. Thomas Assessing Rebel Sympathizers – 2
The Rebel Privateers: The Ship Tonquin Burnt by a Confederate Sailing Vessel – 2
The Fight in Stono River – 2-3
Affairs in Tennessee: A New-Year Greeting from Tennessee – 3
The Chesapeake in Court at Halifax: The Crown Officers Are of the Opinion that the Ship Should be Delivered to Her Owners – 3-4
The War in the Indian Territory-The Loyal Leader, Col. Phillips – 4
The Guerrilla, Forrest: His Movements in Tennessee – 4
Interesting Southern News – 4
Gen. Grant’s Department: Transportation and Supplies – 4-5
News from Washington: Special Dispatches to the N.Y. Times – 5
California Gossip: Changes – 5-7
Editorial: Woman’s Wrongs – The True Mode of Righting Them – 8
Editorial: The Chesapeake Murderers – 8-9
Reconstruction – 9

[coalminersson]

side funny from a West Virginian

In History of the World II recently by Me brooks. General Grant runs out of whiskey and decides to go on his own with one soldier where whiskey is readily available.

Grant to Soldier: Come with me son.

Sir I would follow you into hell.

Grant: It’s worse than that son, we’re going to West Virginia.