A history of the raid in Southwestern Virginia.
The Lynchburg Virginian contains the first connected account of the raid into Southwestern Virginia which has been published. It appears that, on Monday, the 12th, the enemy, since ascertained to consist of Gillem's, Stoneman's and Burbridge's forces, concentrated at Bean's station, advanced eastward.--Vaughn was at Greenville and Duke's brigade at Rogersville. The movement was rapid, and Duke, being in their route, was forced back to Kingsport, when, on the 13th, he was attacked, and suffered a repulse. The enemy thus got ahead of Vaughn, and, on the morning of the 14th, entered Bristol. The account says:‘ "On the night of the 14th he entered Abingdon, Duke falling back towards Abingdon. General Breckinridge, at Wytheville, apprised of the advance, at once began to concentrate his troops for the defence of Saltville. On the afternoon of the 14th, he started by train for that point himself; arriving at Glade Spring that night late, he barely escaped capture, and reached Saltville next morning — the enemy reaching Glade Spring shortly after daylight on the 15th. The force of the enemy, after leaving Abingdon, divided into two columns--one threatening Saltville, the other going to Glade Spring and towards Wytheville. At 3 P. M., the enemy entered Marion, twenty-six miles west of Wytheville, and detached a force which was sent southeast, towards the lead mines. Meanwhile, General Vaughn, leaving Bristol to his left, arrived in front of Marion, and, supposing the main column had gone to the lead mines, pursued the detachment with his main force, leaving Colonel Gillespie with the remainder of his command at Marion. On the morning of the 16th, at daylight, Colonel Gillespie was attacked and repulsed, retreating towards Wytheville, sixteen miles distant. There were no troops at this point — the railroad superintendent having failed to send them from Dublin. For want of cars, also, but a portion of the stores could be removed from Wytheville.
’ "The retreat of Gillespie was so rapid, and the pursuit of the enemy so close, that the former arrived at Wytheville at 11 1-2 A. M., and passed through the town in a stampede, all efforts to rally them failing. The enemy appeared at 1 P. M., their videttes approaching very cautiously. Major Johnston, assistant adjutant-general, of Breckinridge's staff, with half-dozen officers and men, remained, and by standing picket at the west end of the town, in sight of the Yankees, detained them from coming in for two hours. The town was by this time cleared. At 3 P. M., Major Johnston having withdrawn to the east of the town, General Gillem sent in a flag of truce, which Major Johnston received through Captain Semple and Major McMahon, of General Breckinridge's staff. The unconditional surrender of the town was demanded, with guarantee of security to private property and citizens. Major Johnston replied, agreeing to surrender the town on those conditions, provided he was allowed half an hour in which to withdraw his forces. After much deliberation, General Gillem declined to give the time asked, but to respect private property and citizens.
"Major Johnston having thus gained more than an hour for the retreating cavalry and trains, withdrew his forces, six all told, and came on towards Dublin. The enemy adhered to his terms, and disturbed no private property.--When Gillem found out the ruse which had been practiced upon him, he was more amused than incensed.
"on Saturday morning, before daylight, the enemy, after burning the railroad depot, ordnance and medical buildings, retired as he came, first sending a detachment of two hundred to the lead mines. General Vaughn was at this important point, but believing exaggerated reports of the enemy's strength, retreated on his approach. The damage to the mines was slight, and can soon be repaired. The enemy retired towards Marion, doubtless to effect a junction with the main force and capture Saltville; but, at last accounts, this important point was safe, and General Breckinridge had repulsed the enemy on several occasions. The raid is ably conducted, the force moving rapidly and doing but little pillaging."
