Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood
Undated
November 1864

New Creek, W.Va. Nov. 18, '64.

Editors Intelligencer:

The agitation down in Dixie, of "grafting" the negroes into the army is beginning to have its effect. The first installment of five able bodied men arrived here from August county, Va., this afternoon. They have been employed on Governmental (?) works of various kinds; but upon learning that there was a proposition to put them into the army, they determined to make tracks for the dominions of "Massa Linkum." This is a fact which needs to comment and goes far towards answering the question:Will the negroes fight for the South?

Deserters from the rebel army are also pouring in along our entire front. The arrivals at this place average five per day. Early's army has lost for the last two months, by desertions along at least a company per day. Many of them are in bad condition to begin the winter. The Chivalry must shiver these cold nights. They say that Early's army is also very poorly fed - nothing being issued but flour and meat, and short rations of that. The deserters state the they are never followed, with a view to recapture; as the authorities are afraid to send guards for them -- the guards themselves usually deserting in a body when so sent.

McNeil had died of his wounds, received near Mt. Jackson some time since. Woodson has his command, and is staying in the vicinity of Moorefield, but is troubling his own friends, off of whom he lives, more than his enemies.

Are there any paymasters about Wheeling?

Very respectfully yours, &c.

S.

Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: Undated: November 1864