The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1864-09-27
GEN. AVERILL RELIEVED
FROM DUTY.
Rebel Accounts of the Fighting
in the Valley.

HEADQUARTERS ~ THE FIELD, September 81.
From the defeat at Winchester Early with
drew his forces to Fishers Hill, leaving most
Of his wounded of the battle of the 10Th, and
those which had accumulated from the various
comba,s of Crook aud Aycrill, in our hands. At
Fishers Hill he rested his right upon the Massa-
nutton Mountain, and his left upon North Noun
tain having his 'front.' about three miles in length,
covered by srong natural and artificial deleuses
His right, which was about one mile in advance
Of his left, was considered almost impregnable.
On the 2lst an important position in front of
the enemys centre was gained by Wrights Corps.
On the I'D the mnin attack was begun by a
strong demonstration by Emory's troops on the
euCmy's right. About noon, or a little later,
RivBcus' Division Of HE 6,h Corps advanced and
secured some important heights in front fthe
ccLfTc; while Ayerills Division of Cavalry
attacked and drove the enemy nc gallOp from
his advanced position on his left one mile
back into his main works ard held him there,
while Crook, Corps, which hal been concealed
duripG the day, was transferred in the rear of
Ay,n S Division, on the enemy S extreme left.
At ) in the afternoon Crook and Avarill stJrmed
and carried the works Of the enemy, the cavalry
l,apilg the barriers erected by the enemy, cap
turing two battle.fl Is, four guns, aud ever one
hundred prisoners. While Crook swept towards
the enemy s GENRE, the 9Th Corps attacked fol-
lowed by the 18th, while AveTill swept along the
base of the North Mountain, outward seven
miles, captured one hundred and seyenty-fye
cavalry horses, four caissons. fourteen wagons,
eight amhuauces, and number Of fugtives.
The enemy, having probably learned of the
movement upon his right and rear, had COM
mCuced leaving his position some two hours
before our attack His departure was so hastened
that be was compelled TO leave sixteen guns and
over u thousand prisoners in our hands.
Yesterday morning the pursuit of the enemy
was promptly continued by our cavalry, and he
kyo in uT
five miles south of Fishers IItll where he seems
disposed to offer stubborn resistance to our
urthcr advance.
Yesterday morning Early rear was overtaken
near Hawkins bridge by General Averill, with
cavalry division and the brigade OF General
Deyins. and driven TO the town Of Mount Jack
son, where his entire force Was found in pos
session.
M0jor Laddy, commanding $50 ba.tallons, was
captured, with several prya,es
Our cavalry pressed the enemy with great vio-
lence and success, until he brought an infantry
division with artillery, and they held them in
check until the arrival of the 9th Corps, which
found them in the same position this morning,
Offering stubborn resistance 10 It's advance.
General Ayerill was relieved from duty with his
division this morning, and granted q leave Of
absence for twenty days. The order has caused
q universal feeling Of amaZemCnt in this army
and it is generally thought that some question of
rank between General Ayerill aud General Tor
bert is involved, the former b ing the ranking
officer, hut the latter Chief Of Cavalry of this
military division. Averl's division officers and
men exhibited their devotion 10 hin by the most
marked demonstrations.
TIE officers, who seemed to love him as an
elder brother, shed tears al his departure; and
as the General rode along the ines for the last
time, the men greeted him with the most enthu-
siaslic cheers, and many expressions of affection
General Averlll called tue officers together and
addIesscd tLtm, piOniI s upon them u continue
as enc getic and attentive in the future az they
bad been in the past, aud 10 ST. II the same Obe-
diencs 10 lis successor as they Ind to him.
There is 4 prospect Of IN eng cement in front.
~. }. Herald.