LATE SOUTHERN NEWS: Rebel Accounts of Averill’s Great Raid; Great Destruction of Property (12/25/1863)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 12/25/1863

[Homer_J_Simpson]

By last night's mail we received full files of the Richmond papers to the 22d, from which we take the following interesting extracts:

AVERILL'S GREAT RAID.

LYNCHBURGH, Saturday, Dec. 19.

We have but little additional with reference to the Salem raiders. On Tuesday night they surprised and fired into the camp of Capt. WHITE, on Catawba Creek, and captured 17 men and about 100 horses, which were being recuperated. Farmers, who arrived at Bonsack's this evening, say that the enemy were on this side of Craig's creek, eighteen miles from Salem, at noon yesterday. Their camp was visible from the mountains. Craig's Creek was raising rapidly yesterday, and impossible to ford, which prevents the enemy's further retreat on the Newcastle road.

SECOND DISPATCH.

LYNCHBURGH, Saturday, Dec. 19.

Passengers this evening report that the enemy, finding Craig's creek past fording, changed their course up the Catawba, and camped on Thursday night, ten miles below Montgomery White Sulphur Springs. Their object in taking this route is to strike the Salt Pond road, leading towards the Kanawha Valley. Their capture is confidently expected. Reported skirmishing yesterday at Blacksburgh.

THIRD DISPATCH.

LYNCHBURGH, Sunday, Dec. 20.

A special correspondent of the Virginian, dated Salem, Dec. 18, says that on Wednesday morning the enemy's advance guard charges up Main-street, the main body following soon after, with pistols drawn, ready to open fire upon the citizens who crowded the street. They broke open the Post-office, cut the telegraph wires, and then proceeded to the depot, which was crowded with ladies and gentlemen awaiting the train. They broke open trunks, destroyed their contents, and set fire to the building. They farmed a line of battle and planted a battery of eight pieces of artillery on a hill, to bear on the expected train.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

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Link to previous New York Times thread

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

Late Southern News: Rebel Accounts of Averill’s Great Raid – 2-3
The Army of the Potomac: A Storm and the Consequences Thereof – 3
The Blockade of Wilmington: A Statement by Rear Admiral Lee – 3
The Pirate Alabama: Her Expected Advent at Madras – 3
Official Commendation off Negro Soldiers – 4
The Sanitary Fair-A Warning – 4
Christmas Eve at Trinity Church – 4
From Washington: Special Dispatches to the N.Y. Times – 4
Gen. Halleck’s Report: Army of the Cumberland – 4-5
Editorial: The $300 Exemption – 5
Editorial: Care of the Wounded in Battle – An Ambulance Corps – 5-6
Christmas Amusements – 6
National Exhibition in Venezuela – 6

[BrexitBen]

Northern Opposition To Mr. Lincoln’s War, by D. Jonathan White.