A large force of Union cavalry inder General William W. Averell left New Creek, in West Virginia and struck south with the object of cutting the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad. The force arrived at their target near Salem, Virginia and destroyed rail lines, bridges, and three depots. The force then made its escape in a arduous march across the Shenandoah Mountains in cold and freezing rain and returned safely to its base with minimal casualties. (By John Osborne)
Source Citation
Averil's (sic) Expedition," Harper's Weekly Magazine, January 9, 1864, p. 19.
Record Data
Date Certainty
Exact
Type
Battles/Soldiers
