The Averill raiders — a probability of their capture.
What little information we have with reference to the
Yankees under
Averill justice the hope at least that the greater portion of the force will be captured.
Finding the road to the
Sweet Springs effectually obstructed, they took a road leading by way of junction Store and the
Roaring Run Furnaces in
Botetourt, which intersects the
Fincastle and
Covington road about six miles from
Covington.
On Saturday night they camped in the
Rich Patch Valley, and on Sunday morning resumed their march towards
Covington.
They had destroyed their entire wagon train, consisting of forty negroes, and their artillery caissons, and also killed all their spare horses.
At the junction of the
Roaring Run and
Covington roads they were met by
Colonel Jackson and his command, and a brisk engagement ensued, in which the raiders were driven back and two hundred and fifty of their number captured.
The rest of the party continued their retreat in the direction of Junction Store, in
Botetourt county, near which point it is understood
Gen. Imboden is posted.
In
Botetourt the citizens were turning out in crowds to the aid of the regular forces, and were rendering most efficient service.
The passengers by the
Central train last night state that a report prevailed in
Staunton that our forces were but a few hours behind the enemy, whose horses were completely broken down, and little doubt was entertained that the entire party would be caught.
Another report stated that
Averill, finding himself hard pushed, had attempted to ford
Jackson's river at
Clifton Forge, and that in the attempt a number of his men were drowned, which caused him to desist and fall back from the river in the direction from which our forces were approaching.
