It was reported that Mother Nature helped out the rebel cause a bit. Presumably federal government horses and mules were at risk.
From The New-York Times January 29, 1865:
NEWS FROM WASHINGTON.; MR. BLAIR’S PRIVATE PAPERS.
Special Dispatches to the New-York Times.
Mr. BLAIR has stated to an intimate friend, that by his first trip to Richmond be succeeded in obtaining from the rebel authorities many valuable papers, taken from his house by EARLY’S men last September. Among the documents recovered was his will.
Dispatches to the Associated Press.
THE REBEL IRON-CLAD RAID.
WASHINGTON, Saturday, Jan. 28.
A gentleman who arrived here, to-night, from City Point, which place he left yesterday, says that all the rebel vessels have returned up the James River. It is not probable they will soon again repeat their expedition, as there is now gun-boat and iron-clad force enough to take care of all such adventurers.
THE ICE BLOCKADE.
Owing to the ice-blockade of the Potomac, the Government is sending wagons out into the country in all directions to procure hay. A large number of hay boats bound up are frozen in below Alexandria, with no immediate prospect of being released.
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The following broadside is dated January 29, 1865 at American Memory
looking for a 15 year old son
