HEADQUARTERS FOURTH WEST VIRGINIA CAVALRY, New Creek, WV. Va., February 9, 1864.

SIR: In obedience to your orders I started in command of the escort to supply train for the garrison at Petersburg on Friday, January 29, 1864.

On the next morning I received dispatch from Colonel Thoburn requesting me to hurry up the train, stating also that the Twenty- third Illinois Regiment was at the Moorefield Junction. Later in the day couriers came back with request from Lieutenant-Colonel Quirk to push forward the train. The train was moved forward with all possible speed, and proceeded unmolested until we arrived at Medley, 2 miles below the Moorefield Junction, when I met Lieu- tenant-Colonel Quirk, commanding Twenty-third Illinois, falling back before the advance of the enemy. Being the ranking officer present, I assumed command of the forces, and immediately formed line of battle on the right of the road, the Twenty-third Illinois, Lieutenant-Colonel Quirk, occupying the left, a detachment of the Second Maryland the center, four companies of the Fourth West Virginia Cavalry occupying the right. Two companies of the Fourth were placed in position on our right flank; also a detachment of the Ringgold Battalion, Lieutenant Speer, to prevent, if possible, a flank movement by the enemy, which I plainly saw was their object. Two Companies of the Fourth were ordered to take position on our left flank, to prevent a similar movement by the enemy; and the two remaining companies of the Fourth were placed in rear of the center, to be used as the exigencies of the engagement might demand. I had scarcely got my command in position when the enemy opened upon us with two pieces of artillery, their infantry advancing at the same time, which was met by a galling fire from my front, and caused them to fall back. Thrice they attempted the same thing with the same results.

During the engagement in front the enemy was extending their flanks, either of which line?front, right, or left?was longer than my entire command. At this crisis I ordered the train to be turned and started back, but to my great mortification two of the train-masters had fled and all the teamsters with few exceptions.

The position of my command was becoming perilous. I discovered that the train must be abandoned in order to save my command from capture. I then ordered my men to fall back to an elevation, where we reformed line of battle, giving the enemy several volleys, which checked their advance. Having foiled the enemy in their designs as long as it was possible for my little command to do so, having fought against great odds for one hour and twenty minutes, to save my command from capture I was compelled to order a retreat, which I did, my command leaving the field slowly and in line of battle.

My entire loss, killed, wounded, and missing, is as follows: Maj. N. Goff, jr., Fourth West Virginia Cavalry, captured (horse shot, fell on his leg, could not extricate himself); Lieutenant Elliot, slightly wounded. Privates killed, 5; wounded, 34; missing, 35. I am confident the enemy?s loss was much greater than ours. From information received since the engagement I am justified in saying that the rebel force consisted of Rosser?s command of Early?s corps, with five pieces of artillery.

A large proportion of the officers and men behaved admirably. It would be invidious to make distinctions, but I cannot omit to mention the name of Captain Pease, of your staff, who rendered me such valuable assistance during the entire engagement. I especially recommend him for favorable consideration.

My report having been delayed for days waiting for report of the extent of loss in horses, mules, and wagons, and not yet received, I have thought it prudent to send in this report without it.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JO. SNIDER,
Col. 4th W. Va. Cav., Comdg. Escort to Supply Train.

Col. JAMES A. MULLIGAN,
Commanding Second Division.

Report of Lieut. Col. Francis W. Thompson, Sixth West Virginia
Cavalry.

Martinsburg, W. Va., February 27, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the march of detachments of the Fifth and Sixth West Virginia Cavalry and three guns of Ewings battery from Martinsburg to Moorefield and return.

On the morning of the 31st day of January I received orders from Col. John H. Oley, commanding the Fourth Division, Department of West Virginia, to take command of a detachment of 240 men of the Sixth West Virginia Cavalry and 170 of the Fifth West Virginia Cavalry, and proceed to Winchester, there to join forces from Harpers Ferry and receive orders from General Sullivan as to further movements. I arrived at Winchester about 9 p. m., received orders from General Sullivan to march immediately to Cedar Creek, and at daylight to occupy Strasburg, which was done promptly, after driving about 16 rebel pickets from Cedar Creek; then we marched to Wardensville by sundown that day, joining forces from Harper?s Ferry at Wardensville, the senior officer taking command, to push the enemy vigorously and recapture the train taken near Burlington.

On arriving at Hoff Gate I received orders to march by the nearest practicable route to Romney, as the enemy were at Green Spring. We marched until 2 a. m.; stopped to feed 7 miles west of Winchester, on the Northwestern road; started at 7 a. m.; arrived at Romney 2 a. m., joining Lieutenant-Colonel Fitz Simmons, in command of troops from Harper?s Ferry, comprising about 1,250 men and three pieces of artillery. Colonel Fitz Simmons was sent to the Wire Bridge over the South Branch of the Potomac, 7 miles below Romney, with about 900 men and three pieces of artillery, to hold the bridge and send a heavy advance toward Green Spring to find the course the enemy would take. At this time the rebels were holding Mechanicsburg Gap, 2 miles from Romney, on the Northwestern road. The gap was held by infantry from General Early?s command. Learning that Rosser had passed up the South Branch Valley between Romney and New Creek, I started the command on the Northwestern pike to join Colonel Thoburn?s command, which I was informed was at the junction of Moorefield and Northwestern pikes, 7 miles from Romney. I arrived there at 2 p. m., joined Colonel Mulligan, who assumed command and marched up the valley above Moore- field, returning to the junction of the pike with the Northwestern road. Received verbal orders from Colonel Mulligan to only report up to the time I joined his command, and after I left it arrived 4 miles east of Romney, encamped for the night; then marched to within 2 miles of Winchester, encamped for the night; arrived at Martinsburg. No casualties to report.

I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. W. THOMPSON,
Lieut. Col., Comdg. Sixth Regiment W. Va. Vol. Cav.

Capt. WILL RUMSEY, Assistant Adjutant-General.

NEW MARKET, February 6, 1864.

GENERAL: On January 28, leaving Imboden?s and Walkers brigades near Mount Jackson to guard the valley, I moved from this place with Rosser?s brigade, Thomas brigade, all the effective men of Gilmor?s and McNeill?s Partisan Rangers, and four pieces of McClanahan?s battery, toward Moorefield, in Hardy. I arrived at Moorefield with Rosser?s brigade and the artillery on the 29th, and early next morning (the 30th) Rosser was sent to intercept a train on its way from New Creek to Petersburg and get between the garrison at the latter place and the railroad. After cutting through a heavy blockade on the mountain between the South Branch and Patterson?s Creek, which was defended by a regiment, Rosser succeeded in reaching and capturing the train after a short fight with its guard, which consisted of over 800 infantry and a small body of cavalry, all under Colonel Snider. The guard for the train broke and run to the mountains, and only a few prisoners were captured. Rosser?s loss in killed and wounded was about 25 and the enemy?s much heavier. Ninety-three loaded wagons were captured, but the teams from forty-two of them were run off by the drivers during the fight, and being considerably smashed, these wagons were burnt. Fifty wagons with their teams were brought off, one having been overturned in the night and broken to pieces, so as to be useless. The wagons were loaded with commissary stores and forage, but as the wagons crossed the mountain from Patterson?s Creek to Moorefield in the night a great deal of the loading was thrown out by the drivers, and much of it was plundered before steps could be taken to secure it. After the train was captured Rosser moved toward Petersburg and got possession of the roads from Petersburg down Patterson?s Creek and through Greenland Gap, and the same evening Thomas brigade arrived at Moorefield and was crossed over the South Branch to within 10 miles of Petersburg.

Early next morning both forces moved upon Petersburg, but on arriving there it was found that the enemy had evacuated during the night, taking a mountain road to the head of New Creek through a pass where it was impracticable to follow him, especially as there was a dense fog, rendering it difficult to discern objects at a short distance. The works at Petersburg were found to be very strong, with a ditch around them and very strong abates [sic]. There were large bomb-proof shelters, and appearances indicated that a good deal of work had been done lately. The, works were destroyed as far as practicable, and some commissary stores and forage and about 13,000 cartridges were secured. Thomas brigade was then marched back to Moorefield, and Rosser was sent down Patterson?s Creek to collect cattle and cut the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. He reached the road on the 2d at the mouth of Patterson?s Creek and destroyed the bridge over that creek, and partially destroyed the bridge over the North Branch of the Potomac. He also destroyed another bridge over the canal, and a lock of the canal itself.

In the mean time a considerable cavalry force had made its appearance at Romney, and Rosser returned to Moorefield, which place he reached on the 3d with a number of cattle and sheep. McNeill crossed over to the eastern ridge of the Alleghany and brought off over 300 cattle.

After Rosser?s return I gave orders for the troops, trains, &c., to start back early next morning, as we had accomplished all we then could, and accordingly everything but the cavalry was in motion very soon, and after Thomas brigade had gone about 4 miles from Moorefield a considerable force of the enemy?s cavalry with some artillery made its appearance below Moorefield, on the road from Romney. I ordered Thomas brigade to be brought back toward Moorefield and Rosser to retire through Moorefield, and taking a position on the South Fork of the North Branch I awaited the approach of the enemy until after 12 o?clock, when, he showing no disposition to attack, but contenting himself with maneuvering very cautiously, and Rosser?s cavalry being too much reduced in numbers to attack the enemy?s cavalry, which was in view and largely exceeded his own in numbers, I resumed my march back without molestation from the enemy, crossing over to Lost River that night, and the next day (the 5th) to this valley. A large portion of the cavalry force which appeared at Moorefield went from Martinsburg and Charlestown, a brigade under Colonel Fish having lately been sent to the lower valley. I have been informed that a force of infantry was following the cavalry, but I am not certain of this. I did not think it prudent to leave the trains and cattle to the risk of capture while I was being amused by cavalry at Moorefield, and I therefore moved back, according to my original purpose.

We brought off the 50 captured wagons with their teams, 1,200 cattle, 500 sheep, 78 prisoners (1 major, 3 captains, and 74 enlisted men), and some commissary stores. We got all the cattle we could. Many persons ran off their cattle to Maryland, and a number of those brought off will not answer for beef at present. We could have got as many sheep as we wanted, but they could not be driven.

We found the people of Moorefield and the adjoining valley very true to our cause, and exceedingly kind and hospitable to our men. I think the enemy will hardly occupy Petersburg again; and if he does not, as soon as things get quiet some more cattle can be gotten.

Very respectfully,

J. A. EARLY,
Major- General. General R. E. LEE.

I understand that the operator here made a mistake and telegraphed that we had brought off 278 prisoners, which is just 200 more than we did get. It should have been 78.

J.A.E.

HEADQUARTERS, February 11, 1864.

Respectfully forwarded to the honorable Secretary of War, to whom the conduct of General Early and General Rosser and their troops is commended.

R. E. LEE,
General.

HDQRS. ROSSERS BRIGADE, February 9, 1864.

MAJOR: On the morning of the 28th ultimo, in obedience to an order from Mad. Gen. J. A. Early, I moved my brigade and a battery of four pieces of General Imboden?s in direction of Moorefield, Hardy County, where I arrived early on the evening of the 30th [29th]. The infantry having failed to get up. I spent the remainder of the day in constructing bridges across the South and North Forks of the South Branch, and early on the morning of the 31st [30th] moved my command across the mountain in the direction of Patterson?s Creek, upon which I had been informed by reliable scouts was a large supply train encamped, destined for Petersburg. In crossing the mountain I encountered, when in about 2 miles of the creek, a regiment of infantry blockading the road by felling trees across it, and by digging it away when constructed upon the side of a hill, &c. By dismounting a few men I soon dislodged them and drove them entirely through the gap. The obstructions were soon removed by the pioneers of the brigade, and the road reconstructed where it had been dug away. The brigade then fairly through, I pressed vigorously upon the enemy, who was then retiring in the direction of Williamsport to meet the train, which was then moving up. Upon my approach his wagons were parked and all dispositions made to meet my attack. The enemy?s force (I have since learned numbered 1,100 men), I saw at a glance, was much larger than my own. I dismounted 300 or 400 men, and with the remainder in the saddle I charged him front, flank, and rear. The first onset was repulsed, but one piece of my artillery coming up (the enemy having none), my troops were much elated by this seeming advantage, and I charged him again, which was very successful, driving him into the mountains and giving me possession of the entire train of 95 wagons and teams, excepting a few of the latter that were cut away during the fight and run off, and the regiment I sent to occupy the road in rear of the train failing to get up in time, these mules and a few ambulances were allowed to escape.

The conduct of my men on this occasion entitles them to their country?s gratitude. Indeed, I believe it is the first instance during this war where cavalry attacked successfully a superior force of infantry. I lost in the action 24 men killed and wounded. The enemy?s acknowledged loss in killed and wounded was 80. I captured 40 prisoners, 2 captains and 1 major. The train, which was heavily loaded with commissary stores (bacon, rice, coffee, sugar, &c.), was turned over to General Early. Many of the wagons, however, had to be destroyed in consequence of the want of mules to bring them off, a number having been killed in the action and others ridden off by the fleeing enemy.

On the morning of the 1st I moved into Petersburg, the enemy having escaped upon one of the back roads, which it was impossible f or me to guard with my small force. The enemy in evacuating this place left almost all his baggage and a large supply of provisions, which fell into the hands of my men.

From this place I proceeded, in obedience to instructions from General Early, down Patterson?s Creek, with the view of driving out the cattle, and for this purpose I sent Major Gilmor?s and Captain McNeill?s commands, under the command of the latter, into the Alleghany Mountains, and placed one regiment in Mechanicsville Gap to prevent Averell, whom I expected from Martinsburg, from getting between me and General Early. I then pressed down the creek to its mouth, at which place there was a guard of one company, which I captured, and I destroyed here the railroad bridges across Patterson?s Creek, the Potomac, and canal. I also destroyed one engine, all the property belonging to the road, the bridge for the pike across the canal, and one canal-lock. Learning that the enemy was in Romney in considerable force, and that he was struggling for the gap at which my regiment was posted, I abandoned the idea of going to Cumberland and turned back in direction of Moorefield, evading the enemy, who had forced the gap and got in my rear, and brought out safely all my prisoners and cattle.

Upon the expedition I captured 1,200 or 1,300 head of cattle, 500 or 600 sheep, 95 wagons, and 80 prisoners. Only fifty of the wagons were saved and brought to the valley. Everything else is now safe in the valley.

I am, major, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOS. L. ROSSER,
Brigadier-General.

Maj. H. B. MCCLELLAN, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Stuart?s Cavalry Corps.

[First indorsement.]

HDQRS. CAV. CORPS, ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,

April 7, 1864.

Respectfully forwarded.

The bold and successful enterprise herein reported furnishes additional proofs of General Rosser?s merit as a commander, and adds fresh laurels to that veteran brigade so signalized for valor already.

J. E. B. STUART,
Major- General.

[Second indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,

April 19, 1864.

Respectfully forwarded for the information of the War Department.

General Rosser acquitted himself with great credit in this expedition.

R. E. LEE,
General.

[Third indorsement.]

MAY 4, 1864.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL:

Noted. General Rosser exhibited both judgment and valor, and accomplished valuable results in this expedition.

J. A. S.,
Secretary.

For several days past there has been much anxiety to know the whereabouts as well as the numbers of the enemy who were reported to be in the neighborhood of New Creek. The force was variously estimated at from one to twenty thousand men, and its whereabouts at any point where there were supplies or a weak Federal force. The latest advices warrant the assertion that the number of the enemy is much smaller than reported by the first ?refugees? from the scene of danger. The whole Confederate force did not exceed five hundred men, yet a train of ninety two wagons was captured, two railroad bridges burned, and a company of home guards gobbled up. The North Branch bridge and Patterson?s, ten miles cast of Cumberland, were destroyed, and a home guard company captured at the latter point.

Dispatches received here last night stated that the Confederates were retreating, and that the Federals were in pursuit.

A LETTER from Cumberland says that in the attack of the rebel Rouser on the company of infantry stationed at Patterson?s Creek bridge, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, last Tuesday, two of our men were killed and ten wounded. The greater part of the company was captured. This accomplished, the Rebels set fire to the bridge, and leaving it to destruction, started off with their prisoners in the direction of Romney. The employees of the railroad succeeded in staying the fire and saved the bridge. With only slight damage.

General Averill, with his command of nearly two thousand cavalry, and who had been sent from the Martinsburgh [sic] by General Kelley overtook the Rebels near Springfield, and a severe engagement ensued. The Rebels were driven through Springfield and thence to and south of Burlington.

Many of the Rebels were killed and wounded and our captured are large including the recovery of our own men taken at Patterson?s Creek, and many horses. The enemy are making rapid tracks for the back country, hotly pursued by our cavalry.

We learn from Mr. Jacob Hornbrook, who arrived in this city yesterday bringing with his as far as Grafton, a number of wounded and sick soldiers, that Lieutenant Rider of 14th West Virginia Infantry and Major Goff of the 4th Cavalry were captured by the rebels at the time of the capture of the wagon train. The conduct of Major Goff is highly spoken of. He did everything in his power to rally his men and prevented panic among the teamsters, and was surrounded by the rebels while gallantly doing his duty. Capt. William Robb, at this city and captain of Co. A. 1st West Virginia Infantry and Capt. Rourk of Rourk?s battery, were left at Petersburg, and were captured. Adam Radier and F. W. Richardson of the 1st Infantry, were out on a scout when. Col. Thoburn withdrew his command and are supposed to have been taken prisoners. Mr. Hornbrook thinks that our loss in the fight for the wagon train with not exceed eighty men, killed wounded and missing.

CAMP NEAR MARTINSBURG, VA
February 1st, 1864}

Editors Intelligencer:

The brave, gallant, and battle-worn hero, General Milroy, paid the Second Regiment West Va. Mounted Infantry a visit yesterday (Sunday) evening. As he approached our parade ground where we were in line to receive him escorted by the officers and others of the command here, the enthusiasm of ?the boys? became almost uncontrollable. Loud cheering seemed too feeble an expression of the deep good feeling for this brave General is the bosom of the old ?Second Virginia.? The characteristic familiarity and true fatherly kindness and sympathy (which can be said of the other General ever commanding our brigade) at once manifested itself on the part of the General, and was re-manifested on the part of the soldiers. In the course of a few appropriate remarks to the regiment, he spoke of the separation of the Second Virginia from his command as very painful to him; (I am sure it was much so to the regiment;) at the unbounded confidence he always felt in his dutiful and true soldierly bearing both in camp and on the battle-field whilst with him; he briefly referred to several of the dreaded contests through which she accompanied him; he felt attached to her by true soldierly sympathy and interest and mutual zeal and energy in crushing the rebellion; he recognized many members in his ranks and expressed his regrets that he had not time to shake their hands with each individual member; he advised the whole regiment to re-enlist as veterans, assuring them that he did not think this war would continue throughout the three years of their re-enlistment that in addition to the liberal bounty, in which they did not share in their first enlistment, they would have it to say, when they were once more in peace and happiness at their homes, that they had fought through the entire war against the rebellion; he hoped he might again have them in his command, and participate with them in the ultimate extraction of the last truce of Southern traitors in arms; he briefly referred to the acquisition of the new State?West Virginia?to the Union as one of the benefits of the war, and as something we could not have so easily gained in time of peace.

After thanking the soldiers very kindly for their good attention and good order and again expressing his regrets that he could not remain longer with them, the General withdrew amid enthusiastic cheers. Little doubt is entertained that the General?s remarks will have a beneficial tendency no wards acquiring veterans in this regiment. One main barrier to the progress of re-enlistment in this regiment perhaps it would be as well to mention here for it is fraught with must interest and important to enlisted men, is simply the incapacity and inefficiency of officers. There was much complaint is this regard from the very earliest of our military experience and it has gradually grown worse with some companies ever since, and nothing seems ever to have been attempted to modify this curse in the Union army. Without this matter be seen to among the veterans? Soldiers are loud in their protestation against re-enlisting under officers who cannot property go through the manuel [sic] of arms, of given military command.

YOURS, &c., COMPANY BEE

Despatches [sic] from Gen. Kelly, received in this city yesterday state that the Confederates came to a halt at Moorefield, where the Federals engaged them for six hours. The Federals succeeded in routing them, and at last accounts the Federal cavalry were in pursuit. It is thought the object of the confederates making a stand at Moorefield was to allow the captured train, prisoners and cattle to be taken into Dixie, and it is said the Confederates have succeeded in carrying off almost the whole of their booty.

A letter has been received from Major N. Goff, Jr., of the 4th cavalry, who was captured between New Creek and Petersburg some time ago. He writes from Moorefield that his horse was shot from under him and in falling was somewhat injured, and he was therefore comparatively an easy prey. At the time of writing the letter the Major expected to escape and so expressed himself. He is a gallant young officer and we hope he succeeded is getting away from his captors.

AN officer connected with the First West Virginia Regiment of Infantry mentions to us an act on the part of three worthy soldiers belonging to that regiment, which he thinks deserves public credit, and we concur with him.

On the evening of the 2d of February, when the regiment was ordered out to go after and engage Early at Moorefield, and recapture the train if possible, Columbus B. Armstrong, James Robbinett, and Edward Nichols, had received their furloughs, but instead of doing so took their place in the ranks with their comrades, and with them undertook the very march and the hazards of an expected engagement. And this, too, notwithstanding they had just came off a long march. Such conduct as that marks always and everywhere the highest type of a soldier, as well as the noblest specimen of manhood. There is more enviable honor in possessing such a spirit than in weaving the stateliest epaulette that ever plumed the shoulders of any Major General. It affords us pleasure to record such exhibitions of moral pluck on the part of our West Virginia boys.

Orange C. H., Feb.2

--Reports received here this evening from several sources state that Gen. Early has captured a force of about 800 Yankees at Petersburg, Hardy county.

The following dispatch is telegraphed to the New York papers.

Headq'rs Dep't Western Virginia,
January 31, 1864,

Again we are in the midst of excitement and activity, caused by a severe conflict that took place yesterday afternoon in the neighborhood of Williamsport, Hardy county, and which lasted, with considerable persistence and severity, for four hours.

On Thursday night a train of about eighty wagons was sent out from New Creek, heavily laden with commissary stores for the garrison at Petersburg, and accompanying the train was an escort of 800 men, being detachments from the 23d Illinois, (Irish Brigade,) 4th Virginia cavalry, 2d Maryland, 1st and 14th Virginia infantry, and 100 of the Ringgold cavalry battalion, the whole under command of Col. J. W. Snyder.

Nothing unusual occurred until the train got about three miles south of Williamsport, when it was suddenly set upon at different points by open and concocted forces of the enemy.

Although somewhat surprised by the suddenness of the attack, the guard at once formed and deployed for action. Then it was that a hard fight ensued, commencing at 3 o'clock in the afternoon and lasting for over four hours, at the expiration of which time it was found that we had about eighty in killed and wounded, rank and file. The enemy's loss is said to be about one hundred.

In the early part of the fight the rebels opened fire from four pieces of artillery. The superiority of the enemy's strength : there being in all about 2,000 men : also gave them an advantage in out flanking movements, and the enemy exercised his ingenuity simultaneously to operate on the front, rear, and flanks of Col. Snyder's command.

The enemy, however, completely failed of his object, which seemed to be to try to surround, and if possible to capture, the whole party. Several times the rebel lines were broken, and several times the rebel charges were repulsed.

At last, as night closed, the superior numbers of the rebels, and not their good fighting qualities, gained them a success.

At one time the train was in a fair way of being entirely saved; but owing to the excitable skedaddling propensities of some few of the teamsters, and the effect of their conduct on others, a kind of panic was the result. A portion of the train was saved notwithstanding the above mentioned misfortunes. On hearing of the engagement, Colonel Mulligan at once sent reinforcements to Colonel Snyder.

A later dispatch than the above says that the command of Col. Thoburn, which comprised the garrison at Petersburg, had succeeded in making their escape by a mountain road, passing between two of our columns, with all their trains, guns, &c. The dispatch says that the next morning Gen. Early shelled the evacuated fortifications.

A dispatch from Washington states that dispatches had been received at the Yankee War Department, from Gen. Kelly, confirming the capture of the trains above alluded to.

We have already noticed the capture of a Yankee wagon train by Gen. Rosser's command. This capture was effected on Saturday week at Williamsport, Hardy county, which is on the turnpike between Petersburg and Burlington. A soldier who participated in the affair states that our forces captured one hundred and ten wagons, between 300 and 100 miles, about twenty prisoners, (one of whom is a Yankee Major,) and some 60 head of cattle. The wagons were loaded with coffee, sugar, molasses, pickled pork, and corn, and oats. Sixty-five of the wagons, heavily loaded with the articles above mentioned, were safely brought off.

At the time he attacked the train it was guarded by about 800 infantry, who made a slight show of resistance, but were soon driven off to the mountains. In the fight, we lost three killed and eight wounded. Of the killed, one belonged to the 11th Va. cavalry, and two to the 12th Lieut. Howell, of the 7th Va. cavalry, lost an arm.

The following official dispatch with reference to the affair was received at the War Department on Saturday.

Orange C. H., Feb. 6, 1864.
To Gen. S. Cooper.

On the 30th ult, Gen. Rosser captured a train of ninety three wagons, loaded with commissary, stores and forage, on the way from New Creek to Petersburg; also, three hundred mules and twenty prisoners.

The guard of 800 infantry escaped to the mountains.

Our loss was twenty-five killed and wounded.

Information of the advance upon Petersburg having been received, the garrison evacuated it during the night.

On the 2d instantGen. Rosser destroyed the bridges over Patterson's Creek and north branch of the Potomac and canal, and captured forty prisoners. Two hundred and seventy prisoners, fifty wagons and teams, twelve hundred cattle, and five hundred sheep, have been brought off.

Gen. Rosser has shown great energy and skill, and his command deserves great credit.

(Signed)
R. E. Lee.

The following telegrams tell the Yankee side of the history of Gen. Early's operations against the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. There were great apprehensions at one time of an attack on Martinsburg:

Cumberland, Md, Feb. 3. --Noon : The guard of one company of infantry, posted at Patterson Creek bridge, eight miles east of Cumberland, was attacked at half past 1 o'clock yesterday afternoon by five hundred rebel cavalry, under Col. Rosser, and, after a spirited resistance, in which two of our men were killed and ten wounded, the greater part of the company were captured.

This accomplished, the rebels set fire to the bridge, and leaving it to destruction, started off with their prisoners in the direction of Romney.--The employees of the railroad succeeded in staying the fire, and saved the bridge with only slight damage to it.

Gen. Averill, with his command, who had been sent out from Martinsburg by Gen. Kelley this morning, overtook the rebels near Springfield, and a severe engagement ensued. The rebels were driver through Springfield, and thence to and south of Burlington. Many of the rebels were killed and wounded, and our captures are large, including the recovery of our own men, taken yesterday at Patterson Creek, and many horses.

The enemy are making rapid tracks for the back country, pursued by our cavalry.

The intended raid on New Creek has been thwarted by Gen. Averill's quick movements and the other ample arrangements made by Gen. Kelley, and their anticipated success turned to a complete rout and discomfiture.

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad is now entirely clear of the enemy, and the full operation of the line will be at once resumed. The weather is clear and cold.

Headquarters, Western Virginia,Feb. 3. --After we drove the enemy from the bridges yesterday, the rebels commenced a rapid retreat, our cavalry closely following them up, and skirmishing ensuing.

Last night a portion of Gen. Sullivan's forces, in attempting to cut the enemy off, encountered a large force of rebels in Mechanicsburg Gap. near Romney, and in the neighborhood of this Gap. a fight took place. We eventually succeeded in compelling the enemy to take another road to the right, and they skedaddled with considerable precipitancy.

In this engagement we took a number of prisoners. In retreating the enemy hastened to make a junction with the main rebel forces near Moore field.

It is believed that General Sullivan's and Col. Mulligan's columns have formed a junction, and are now pursuing the rebels vigorously. If the enemy escapes our forces he certainly will not be able to take any large portion of plunder.

Wheeling,Va., Feb. 3.--General Kelley telegraphs this afternoon to Governor Boreman that the rebels have been driven back from the line of the railroad at all points, and are now in full retreat, vigorously pursued by our troops.

The damage to the North Branch and Patterson Creek bridges is but trifling, and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad will be in working order in two days. Governor Boreman has also received a dispatch from Gallipolis, stating that the shipsteamer Levi, which left that place for Charleston, West Virginia, last night, was captured and burned at Red House, on the Kanawha river. Brigadier General Scammon and one of his staff were taken prisoners. The rest of the passengers and the crew were released.

The rebels also burned the telegraph office at Red House.

The telegraph is now working over the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

A participant in the expedition of Gen. Rosser into Hardy county, Va., on the 30th ult., furnishes the Rockingham Register with the particulars of the engagement by which the heavy captures were made. He says:

On reaching the top of the mountain we came in contact with the enemy's pickets, about two hundred infantry. They, however, retired from this position with but little resistance. The mail here for miles was blockaded most securely, but the timber and obstructions soon gave way before our energetic and persevering pioneers; but while these obstructions were being removed. Gen. Rosser dismounted Capt. Sipels squadron, of the 12th Virginia cavalry, and continued the pursuit, followed by the mounted portion of the command. The Yankees, on reaching the second mountain, made another stand, where they were charged by the 12th, but as the enemy occupied the woods and heights, the charge was not successful. In this charge we had one man killed and several wounded. Among the wounded was Major Buck, Brigade Postmaster. Capt. Sipe was then ordered to the front with his sharpshooters, the enemy giving back. Thus we continued the pursuit around and over the obstructions until we reached the Patterson's creek and Petersburg grade. Just at this point Lieut. Baylor, who had been sent around on the flank, charged the enemy, but was repulsed with the loss of one man killed. Here we were halted by the General : who had come through with the sharpshooters on foot until the blockade could be removed so that the cavalry and artillery could come up, which they were not long in doing When the whole command came up all the sharp shooters in the brigade were then dismounted and moved forward down the grade towards Williams port, and after marching two or three miles we came upon the enemy, numbering 1,000 infantry, who were drawn up in line of battle in rear of an immense wagon train, numbering one hundred and seven. The dismounted sharpshooters were drawn up in battle order in front of the enemy's line, and the artillery put in position, and opened upon them at short range, the shots of which were received with cheers and laughter, it not being effective.

The column of about three hundred sharpshooters, under the command of Major Knott, was moved forward amid a tremendous volley of musketry; but, fearless and undaunted, they moved on, dealing death and destruction to their toes, and soon they had the satisfaction of seeing the enemy's lines give way, and a moment later they were fleeing promiscuously, in every direction. The battle was fought, the victory won, and the train was captured. It was a rich prize : nearly one hundred wagons, well loaded with corn, oats, bacon, rice, flour, beans, sugar, coffee, molasses, pickled pork, clothing, blankets; and others were loaded with luxuries, such as candy, raisins, cigars, tobacco, oysters, sardines, cakes, crackers, brandy peaches, cherries, and, in short, everything nice and good. After the fight was over Gen. Rosser complimented the sharpshooters, and said all the honor of the victory belonged to them; and also stated that he had participated in all the battles in which the Army of Northern Virginia was engaged, save one or two, when he was absent wounded, and that he had never seen anything to equal this engagement--three hundred cavalry sharpshooters contending with and completely routing 1,000 well drilled infantry. Fifty-three of these wagons, with their contents, were soon turned around and on their way to Dixie. Forty more were committed to the flames.

A letter from Cumberland, Md., dated the 8th inst., says:

On the 29th ult, a large wagon train was captured between New Creek and Petersburg; but this disaster caused very little excitement in town; but on the 2d inst, this raid culminated. About 2 P. M couriers arrived announcing that the North Branch and Patterson Creek bridges, situated respectively six and eight miles east of this place, had been burned by the rebels. The long roll summoned the soldiers to arms, who soon look position about two miles southeast of our town. Soon the supports arrived, but the "rebs" didn't come. They having accomplished their work, retired without molestation.

The forces at the bridges which made the capture have been variously estimated at from sixty to two thousand five hundred men. They captured one company of the 54th Pennsylvania troops that was guarding the bridges. Casualties--one killed, one mortally, and several slightly wounded, of the Federals. Confederates none. Our forces bivouacked on the chosen field, awaiting the approach of the rebels; but Rosser, having accomplished his work, was fast skedaddling to a place of safety. Pursuit then commenced, but our forces managed to keep just far enough in the rear of the rebels not to provoke a collision. We lost all : about one hundred and seven wagons, heavily laden with rations, clothing, and munitions of war; also, the motive power of this immense train, consisting of five hundred or six hundred horses and mules; also, several cannon and quite a number of prisoners, "gobbled" up on the route, and especially on the field where the train was captured.

For the last three months the Confederates have drawn large supplies from this department. On the 16th November, 1863, they captured a valuable train and stores. On the 3d of January, 1864, another train was shoved off on the Lane road; the last that was taken was the most valuable of all.--One million of dollars would not replace the loss by the last raid. The excitement has subsided, but the disgrace remains. We have again relapsed into fancied security, but we know not what minute the raiders may be upon us.