rain, and Averell's after-action report mentioned that his "ammunition was nearly exhausted" as the reason for his departure. Omitted from his report was that by a ruse on a telegraph, he had learned that Confederate troops were coming from the east by rail—and he thought it was in his best interest to join Crook's column that was already in Blacksburg, Virginia, and then continue north to the safety of Union military bases in West Virginia. Averell was pursued by three Confederate forces commanded by Brigadier General John D. Imboden, Colonel William E. "Mudwall" Jackson, and Colonel William H. French. The Confederate forces were unable to catch Averell at Blacksburg (and Crook had already left), so the pursuit was continued further north. On the morning of May 13, Jackson tried to intercept Averell at Salt Pond Mountain and Gap Mountain. Rain made the terrain slippery, and mountain streams became dangerous. Imboden's report said that at Gap Mountain, Jackson "intercepted Averell's command, and scattered it in the mountains. Owing to the darkness and the swollen streams no further pursuit was made with the infantry...." A soldier from the 2nd West Virginia Cavalry wrote that they were fired upon by Confederate artillery near Gap Mountain, so two companies of skirmishers occupied the enemy while the column crossed the mountain while dismounted. Their path was narrow and dangerous, and the mountain was steep. The men used one hand to lead their horses by the bit, and their other hand held the tail of the horse in front of them. The command continued north using "narrow and unfrequented paths and roads". On May 15, Averell met Crook near Union, West Virginia. Aftermath The Battle of Cove Mountain is declared "indecisive" by the National Park Service. Averell praised his command, saying it "attacked and held a superior force of the enemy near Wytheville on the 10th instant, thereby enabling another column to accomplish its purpose without the opposition of overwhelming numbers". The New York Times wrote that the "cavalry raid of that dashing and gallant officer, Gen. Averill [sic]...was undoubtedly one of the most hazardous and brilliant of the war. It was, too, successful." This contrasts with a Confederate newspaper in Richmond, which called the battle "a very important victory" for the Confederacy. A report by Colonel McCausland said that "Averell had been defeated by Morgan near Wytheville". Another source says "Morgan caught Averell at Crockett's