Salt

On October 2nd 1864 the First Battle of Saltville by regular and home guard Confederate units against Union troops that included black cavalry.

Saltville,VA had an important salt works. The battle began on Sunday morning that was cold and foggy. Confederate trenches completely ringed the town’s hills. From this vantage point the Rebel troops were able to hold off Union advances. The Battle was a Rebel victory, but was marred by the killing of captured and wounded black troops.

These are good web sites for more info
http://thomaslegion.net/thebattlesofsaltville.html
http://www.lwfaam.net/cw/event/remember_saltville.htm
http://www.footnote.com/page/1642/massacre_in_saltville_in_1864/