A large force of Union cavalry inder General William W. Averell had left New Creek, in West Virginia eight days before and struck 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 several rail and supply 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)