TH! 
 
 WILLIAM R. PERKINS 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
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REPOET 
 
 or 
 
 BRIGADIER GENERAL ECHOLS, 
 
 OF THE 
 
 BATTLE OF DROOP MOUNTAIN, 
 
 PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF CONGRESS. 
 
 RICHMOND : 
 
 R. M. SMITH, PUBLIC TRINTKR, 
 1864. 
 

 BATTLE OF DROOP MOUNTAIN. 
 
 REPORT OF GENERAL ECHOLS. 
 
 Headquarters First Brigade, Army Southwestern Virginia, ) 
 
 Lewisburg, Nov. 19, 1863. ) 
 
 Major Charles S. Stringfellow, A. A. G., &c: 
 
 Major : I havo the honor to make the following report of the battle 
 of Droop Mountain, fought on the 6th instant, in Pocahontas county, 
 between the troops under ray command and those under the command 
 of Brigadier General Averill, of the Federal army. The report would 
 have been forward sooner, but for the necessary delay in receiving 
 the reports of some of the commanding officers who participated in 
 the action. 
 
 On the morning of the 4th instant, I received a despatch from Col- 
 onel William L. Jackson, who then had his headquarters at Mill Point, 
 in Pocahontas county, that the enemy, to the number of one thousand, 
 had made their appearance, on the evening before, at Green Bank, in 
 said county ; and on the morning of the 5th instant, another dispatch 
 was received from him conveying the information that on the evening 
 of the 4th, two thousand of the enemy had advanced to a point within 
 three miles of Mill Point, and that, if they continued to advance, he 
 proposed to give them battle ; and suggesting to me to reinforce him, 
 if I could do so, saying that if I could not hold them in check he 
 would fall back towards me. I immediately dispatched him that I would 
 move my brigade to his support. Accordingly, at nine o'clock, A. 
 M., on the 5th instant, this brigade, consisting of the twenty-second 
 regiment and twenty-third and twenty-sixth battalions of Virginia 
 volunteers, and Chapman's battery, of four guns, and Jackson's bat- 
 tery, of two guns, (the latter, temporarily detached from Jenkins' 
 cavalry brigade,) wa3 put in motion from this place, and was marched 
 during the day fourteen miles, in the direction of Colonel Jackson. 
 A portion of Jenkins' brigade — the fourteenth and sixteenth regi- 
 ments of Virginia cavalry — was also near this place, under the com- 
 mand of Colonel M. J. Fcrgusson. A portion of the fourteenth reg- 
 
iment was directed to move forward, by Colonel Fergusson, to the 
 support of Colonel Jackson — the sixteenth regiment, and the re- 
 mainder of the fourteenth, being detained to picket the roads and 
 guard the approaches from the Kanawha Valley. 
 
 During the day, I received a dispatch from Colonel Jackson telling 
 me that he had been engaged with the enemy, and calling on mo again 
 to reinforce him. During the night of the 6th instant, I received 
 dispatches from him, informing me that he had taken a very strong 
 position on Droop Mountain, and that he intended to maintain it, and 
 that he expected the fight to be resumed the next morning. His esti- 
 mate of the enemy's forces was then thirty-five hundred, and his 
 opinion was that all of Averill's force was in his front. I accordingly 
 moved my brigade at two o'clock, A. M., with the view of reaching 
 Colonel Jackson as early possible in the morning. The brigade 
 reached the point designated about nine o'clock, A. M., having 
 marched fourteen miles, with the exception of the twenty-sixth 
 battalion, (Lieutenant Colonel Edgar,) which was detached with one 
 piece of artillery some twelve miles from the position, and sent to 
 hold another road by which the enemy would be enabled to move 
 from their position upon our rear. Upon reaching the position 
 taken by Colonel Jackson, I at once assumed command of the 
 whole force. I found that he had posted the most of his own com- 
 mand, with the portion of tho fourteenth Virginia cavalry, which had 
 reported to him for duty, very advantageously beyond the crest and 
 on the side of the mountain. Chapman's and Jackson's batteries, 
 under the command of Major Wm, M. McLaughlin, were immediately 
 moved to the front just beyond the summit of the mountain, near a 
 point where Col. Jackson had already put in position the two pieces of 
 his battery under tho command of Captain Lurty. Colonel G. S. 
 Patton was ordered to take command of that portion of the first brig- 
 ade then present, viz. : Twenty-second Virginia regiment, (Major 
 It. A. Bailey commanding,) and the twenty-third Virginia battalion, 
 (Major Wm. Blessing commanding,) and to put in position, which he 
 did, by placing the twenty-second regiment in rear of the artillery as 
 a support, and posting the twenty-third battalion on the right of tho 
 turnpike road and on the right of our line at the summit of the moun- 
 tain, two companies beiug deployed as skirmishers. 
 
 The view from the position thus assumed is a very extensive one, 
 looking down upon the plain known as tho "Little Levels," and upon 
 the village of Hillsborough, noar which the enemy had encamped 
 during the previous night. The lines of the enemy could be seen 
 in part from the position at a distance of two and two and a half miles. 
 Our artillery very soon after being placed in position opened upon the 
 enemy in the valley beneath, the enemy's artillery for sometime reply- 
 ing vigorously and rapidly. Soon after the opening of the artillery, 
 skirmishing commenced along the line, and the twenty-second regi- 
 ment was moved to the right and rear of the ground occupied by Col. 
 Jackson's command, and six companies of tho twenty-third battalion 
 were put in position to act as a support to the artillery, the other two 
 companies of that battalion being deployed upon the right and acting 
 
as pickets on roads in the rear, it being soon evident that the princi- 
 pal attack of the energy would be upon our centre and left. 
 
 About the time of the changes in the disposition of the troops thus 
 mentioned, it being reported to me that the enemy were making a 
 movement upon our extreme left and advancing in that quarter over 
 the side of a mountain near by, and under cover of thick woods and 
 undergrowth, Colonel Jackson was ordered to send a force there to 
 hold them in check, and, if possible, drive them back, and he accord- 
 ingly ordered Lieutenant Colonel Thompson, of the nineteenth Vir- 
 ginia cavalry, with about one hundred and seventy- five men for that 
 purpose The enemy at this point had his forces so masked and con- 
 cealed that it was impossible to estimate his force, especially as a very 
 large force was seen in front. The fighting on the left soon became 
 very severe, and I was notified by Lieutenant Colonel Thompson that 
 he was being hard pressed and must be reinforced. Major Blessing, 
 with the six companies of the twenty-third battalion, was accordingly 
 ordered to report to and reinforce him, which was promptly done. The 
 enemy at this time began to advance upon the centre and the fighting 
 became general along the whole line, our artillery being served with 
 great rapidity and precision, and succeeding in silencing the batteries 
 of the enemy. In the course of an hour after the twenty-third bat- 
 talion was sent to the left, and after very heavy fighting upon that 
 flank, 1 was again notified by Lieutenant Colonel Thompson, who had 
 most gallantly contended with the numbers opposed to him, alterna- 
 tively driving them back, and being in turn borne back, that he was 
 being overpowered by the superior forces opposed to him, when Colo- 
 nel Patton was ordered to detach three companies of the twenty- 
 second regiment and to move them to the left and to take command of 
 them with the other troops then there. This was done — the three 
 companies thus detached being placed under the immediate command 
 of that gallant young officer, Captain John R. Thompson, of the 
 twenty-second regiment, who, upon this occasion, as upon many pre- 
 vious ones, greatly distinguished himself. The enemy were for a 
 time held in check and driven back ; but after a long and hard strug- 
 gle it became evident that we were too greatly outnumbered, and I 
 was informed by Colonel Patton that his force was not sufficient for 
 the numbers opposed to him, and I saw that our left was being driven 
 and bent back to the rear. During this time, a very heavy body of 
 the enemy was thrown upon our centre, under the immediate com- 
 mand of Colonel Jackson, and the batteries of the enemy were again 
 put into position and opened upon us, and that portion of our 
 line began to waver and f<ill back. Deeming it useless to continue 
 the unequal contest longer, at about four o'clock, P. M., I gave 
 orders to the troops to fall back slowly, and then for the artillery to 
 be withdrawn from the field, where it had remained until nearly all 
 of the supports had retired, and continued to hold the enemy in check 
 by its rapid and well directed discharges of grape and canister, for 
 which, too high praise cannot be awarded to Major McLaughlin and 
 Captains Chapman, Jackson, and Lurty, and the officers and men 
 under their command. 
 
The retreat having to be conducted over a narrow and straight 
 road, along the top of a mountain, for a distance of four miles, some 
 confusion was produced by an alarm which arose among the horse- 
 holders of the dismounted cavalry, and some of the men of the 
 command became detached and made their way out through the woods. 
 The enemy pressed for some few miles with their cavalry and mounted 
 infantry and two or three pieces of their artillery, but were held in 
 check by our rear guard of cavalry, which was organized and con- 
 trolled most gallantly and efficiently by Colonel M. .1. Fergusson, 
 aide! by Colonel Jackson, to both of which officers the thanks of tho 
 command are due for their great gallantry and efficiency, as exhibited 
 throughout the whole battle and retreat. 
 
 Colonel Patton, by my orders, went to the front and did everything 
 that could be done in steadying and rallying and encouraging the 
 men. and was, as usual, conspicuous on the field and in the thickest 
 of the fight. 
 
 The force under my command, and actually engaged in tho 
 fight, numbered about seventeen hundred men. The force of the 
 enemy engaged was about seven thousand, whom we held in check 
 ind fought for six hours. The estimate of Colonel Jackson placing 
 their numbers at three thousand five hundred was correct at the time 
 when made; but they were reinforced during the night previous to the 
 battle without his knowledge, and these reinforcements could not be 
 known, owing to the character of the country, until the fight had 
 progressed for some time. 
 
 It was neceesary that the retreat should be rapid, as, soon after tho 
 termination of the battle, information was brought to me that Brig* 
 adier General Duffie, of the Federnl army, was, at two o'clock, P. M., 
 on the top of Little Sewell mountain, eighteen miles west of Lewis- 
 burg, advancing rapidly upon that town with a column of 
 twenty-five hundred men and five pieces of artillery to intercept me 
 at that point. At four o'clock, P. M., when the battle ceased, I was 
 twenty-eight miles from Lewisburg. General Duffie halted and 
 encamped for the night some ten or twelve miles west of Lewisburg; 
 but I, after halting my infantry and artillery and trains two hours 
 for rest and refreshment, passed through Lewisburg and over Green- 
 brier river between three and lour o'clock, A. M., on the morning of 
 the ?th instant, General Duffie, with his troops, entering the town 
 cautiously at eleven o'clock, and General Averill at four o'clock, P. 
 M., on the same day. 
 
 My artillery and trains were brought safely through, with the ex- 
 ception of a brass howitzer, belonging to Chapman's battery, which 
 had been badly injured in a previous engagement and the carriage of 
 which broke completely down during the retreat, so that it had to be 
 left, thus affording the enemy tho only trophy of which they could 
 boast. 
 
 The casualties among our troops in killed, wounded and miss- 
 ing amount to two hundred and seventy-five, a considerable number 
 ber of those who were reported as missing having returned to duty. 
 The loss of the enemy was much greater, as is attested by the 
 
number of their dead left or buried near the field, and also of their 
 wounded who were left, besides the large number of dead and 
 wounded who were known to have been conveyed away. Among our 
 killed we have to deplore many gallant spirits, most conspicuous 
 among whom, for his uniform gallantry and many soldierly qualities, 
 was Major R. A. Bailey, of the twenty-second regiment, whose loss 
 will be long and deeply felt. No soldier ever displayed more daunt- 
 less courage than did he upon this, his last, battle-field. It would 
 make this report too long to mention particularly the names of all 
 those who attracted observation and extorted admiration by their 
 good conduct. I must refer for the most of these to the accompany- 
 ing reports of commanding officers. I cannot, however, refrain from 
 bearing testimony to the distinguished gallantry of Lieutenant 
 Colonel Thompson, Major William Blessing, Major McLaughlin, 
 Captains Chapman, Jackson and Lurty of the artillery, and of 
 Adjutants Rand, of the twenty-second regiment, and Hardin, of the 
 twenty-third battalion. 
 
 My attention was also particularly drawn, during the thickest of 
 the fight, to the exhibition of cool courage and noble daring presented 
 in the conduct of Lieutenant C. J. Harvie, of Jenkins' brigade, and 
 of Captain L. R. Exline, of Colonel Jackson's command. The 
 members of my staff, Captains R. H. Catlett and W. R. Preston, and 
 Lieutenants J. W. Branham, Wood Bouldin, Jr., E. C. Gordon and 
 H. C. Caldwell, deserve especial mention for their activity, energy 
 and courage upon the field, in rallying and encouraging the troops, 
 and in conveying orders ; and I desire, in the most emphatic 
 manner, to express my obligations to Major George McKendall, 
 brigade quartermaster, not only for his valuable services on the field, 
 but for the untiring energy and ability displayed by kim in his de- 
 partment. 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel Eclgar, of the twenty-eighth battalion, who, as 
 has herein before been mentioned, was detached from the brigade and 
 ordered upon a road leading to the rear of our forces, was, by the 
 movements of the enemy, cut off from the balance of the command, 
 but succeeded in bringing off the whole of his battalion and rejoining 
 the brigado, with his troops in fine condition, for which he is entitled 
 to the highest praise, surmounting, as he did, many difficulties, which 
 only his fine judgment, will and courage could enable him to overcome. 
 
 So far as the beneficial results of the expedition to the enemy can 
 be estimated they amount to nothing. They came with two large 
 forces, amounting, in the aggregate, to nearly ten thousand men, 
 with the expectation of capturing the command of Colonel Jackson 
 and this brigado and of their moving on upon our interior lines of 
 railroad. By fighting, however, so far from the interior, and by 
 being so checked and damaged and baffled as they were, they failed 
 in like one object and abandoned the other. I transmit herewith the 
 reports of the various commanding officers, and also a diagram 
 showing the position of the troops upon the field of battle. 
 I am, Major, very respectfully, &c, 
 
 JOHN ECHOLS, Brigadier General. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL JACKSON. 
 
 Headquarters, Union Virginia, > 
 November 9, 1863. J 
 Captain R. II. Catlett, A. A. G. : 
 
 Captun : On the third instant, at six o'clock, P. M., I received a 
 despatch from Lieutenant George W. Siples, commanding at Dunmore, 
 that the enemy had appeared in force at Green Bank, twenty miles 
 from Huntersville. This information I dispatched to Brigadier Gen- 
 eral Echols, and to Colonel Arnett, commanding at Marlin's Bottom, 
 and to Captain J. W. Marshall, commanding at Edray. I also or- 
 dered Lieutenant Colonel Thompson, then on an expedition to Nicho- 
 las county, to return. Lieutenant Siples was instructed to ascertain 
 the force and intentions of the enemy, and, if pressed, to fall back 
 through Huntersville to Mill Point, by the Beaver creek road, block- 
 ading said road as effectually as possible. At the same time, I took 
 the precaution to send thirty mounted men by the Beaver creek road 
 to Huntersville, and ordered Colonel Arnett to send scouts to the same 
 place from his camp. I received no further dispatch from Lieutenant 
 Siples, who, it seems, in the effort to obtain information of the en- 
 emy, was cut off, and did not rejoin me until after our arrival at 
 Union. This will, in some measure, explain why I had no definite 
 information of the strength of the enemy, and underestimated his 
 force. On the next day, at twelve M., I learned from my scouts at 
 Huntersville, that the enemy were at that place, and advancing on the 
 Beaver creek route, to Mill Point. I directed Colonel Arnett to draw 
 in Captain Marshall and to fall back to Mill Point, cutting down and 
 blockading the road at all practicable points. • By this time, Lieuten- 
 tenant Colonel Thompson having returned, I directed him, with the 
 mounted men of his detachment, to move rapidly up the Beaver creek 
 route, to blockade and hold that road until Colonel Arnett passed 
 the point of intersection of the two roads lending to Mill Point, 
 which is one mile from lhat place, and then to fall back to Mill Point, 
 where I proposed to make a stand. This was successfully accom- 
 plished by Colonel Thompson. About dark, Colonel Arnett passed 
 the point aforesaid, and Colonel Thompson 6lowly, and in admirable 
 order, disputing every inch of the ground, fell back before the over- 
 whelming force of the enemy. The -enemy went into camp in plain 
 view, and made no demonstration during the night, except by rocket 
 signals, which were answered from a point near Huntersville, and also 
 on the Beverly road, beyond Marlin's Bottom bridge, although after 
 disposing of my force to repel assault, with a view to ascertain whe- 
 ther they had artillery, I built camp fires in my rear. Here I again 
 despatched to General Echols the position of affairs. 
 
 As soon as it became light, the next morning, the enemy advanced 
 skirmishers and sharpshooters, and I directed Captain Warren S. 
 Lurty to open his artillery, (two twelve-pound howitzers,) and the 
 skirmishers and sharpshooters, fell back over the hill, where the main 
 
force of the enemy was masked. Here it was evident that the cutting 
 down of the road, &c. had delayed the artillery of the enemy. The 
 shells from Captain Lurty's pieces held the enemy in check, and pro- 
 duced some confusion in his camp. It becoming evident, from the 
 sound, that the enemy was about to make some movement, Captain 
 L. R. Exline, with thirty men, made a successful reconnoissance, en- 
 countering and driving in the sharpshooters, and returning in satety, 
 after discovering that artillery was coming up. Knowing that with 
 long range guns, the enemy would have decidedly the advantage, I 
 was prepared to fall back as soon as his artillery was put in position. 
 About eleven o'clock, A. M., it was so placed, but previous thereto, 
 our shells were thrown with some effect. Accordingly my command 
 fell back in good order, under a heavy fire of five pieces of artillerv, 
 and pursued by a large mounted force ; Lieutenant Colonel Thomp- 
 son, with cavalry, bringing up the rear. Arriving at Droop moun- 
 tain, I posted my artillery and infantry on that very strong position. 
 The effort of the enemy in pursuit, seemed to be to cut off Lieuten- 
 ant Colonel Thompson, but in this he was foiled at the foot of the 
 mountain, by a few well directed shells from Lurty's battery. The 
 enemy, about two o'clock, P. M., went into camp between Hillsborough 
 and Mill Point, as could be plainly seen from our position. About 
 this time, I learned that General Echols was moving to my support, 
 and, during the evening, Colonel Cochran, with the fourteenth Vir- 
 ginia cavalry, arrived. 
 
 During the night, there was no apparent movement of the enemy; 
 but a large camp-fire was observed in the neighborhood of Hunters- 
 ville. From scouts sent to reconnoitre, and from my own observa- 
 tion, I estimated the force encamped before me at thirty-five hundred ; 
 but I am now convinced that during the night, or the next morning, 
 a large reinforcement arrived, and from the facts now before me, I es- 
 timate the Federal force under General Averill at seven thousand five 
 hundred. 
 
 On the morning of the 6th instant, about nine, A. M., General 
 Echols arrived, and soon afterwards the twenty-second Virginia regi- 
 ment, and Lieutenant Colonel Derricks' battalion, with Jackson's and 
 Chapman's batteries under command of Colonel George S. Patton. 
 General Echols approved the disposition of my force, and the position 
 eelected, and immediately prepared for the apprehended attack. I 
 had a force in front about the centre of the position, under Colonel 
 Arnett, who had thrown up temporary breastworks during the night 
 and morning. Tho right, with artillery, I regarded as self-protecting. 
 
 The fourteenth Virginia cavalry joined my force on the left of the 
 centre. Lieutenant Colonel Thompson was on our extreme left, 
 pointing to the rear, with instructions to hold that, and to prevent 
 the enemy from attaining our rear. The positions assigned to the 
 twenty-second regiment and Derricks' battalion were judiciously se- 
 lected, but need not be described by me. I had on the field about 
 seven hundred and fifty men. The residue of mj force was on the 
 Locust creek road, or cut off in Pocahontas. 
 
 The enemy moved to the attack about eleven, A. M., planting ar 
 
10 
 
 tillery on our right, threatening and skirmishing with the centre, and 
 \>y ."- vigorous attack on our extreme left. The fight was veil main- 
 I 1 on our extreme left, but it becoming evident to General Echols 
 
 <>ur force there must be reinforced, (indeed, Lieutenant Colonel 
 Thompson called for reinforcements,) he directed two companies of the 
 fourteenth Virginia cavalry and Derricks' battalion there, and subse- 
 quently several companies of the twenty-second regiment, and even- 
 tually Colonel Tatton proceeded there. The fight now became 
 general on the whole line. Several charges were made on the centre — 
 
 OBition occupied by Colonel Arnett and Colonel Cochran; but 
 w re gallantly repulsed, and the centre never did falter or give way 
 until it became manifest that the extreme left could no longer be held, 
 ar.d that the enemy were getting in our rear, then the force in the 
 c:^tre pressed by four regiments of the enemy, fell back towards the 
 batteries. At this point, I communicated to General Echols the situ- 
 ation of the centre, and suggested to Major McLaughlin, chief of ar- 
 tillery, to move all or a portion of his artillery to the rear. He 
 did move all but two pieces, one from Chapman's and the other from 
 Jackson's batteries. Captains Jackson and Chapman remained with 
 these two pieces. General Echols, at this stage, arrived at the po- 
 sition held by me, and assisted in rallying the men. It is unneces- 
 sary for me to report what then occurred during his presence. Uuite 
 a number were rallied at this point, held the position gallantly, and 
 the two pieces aforesaid rained canister and grape upon the enemy, 
 checking their advance on the centre and right. Holding this posi- 
 tion about twenty minutes, I received an order from General Echols 
 to fall back, as the enemy had almost reached the rear, and could no 
 longer be held. 
 
 I accordingly fell back in as good order as the nature of the case 
 Would admit, under severe shelling and an enfilading fire of mus- 
 ketry, making a momentary stand before reaching the road, to enable 
 the two pieces aforementioned to get out. As soon as I perceived 
 their safety, I reached the road. Near this point, the brave Major 
 Llailey, of the twenty-second, was mortally wounded, and others fell. 
 After this, I assisted Colonels Cochrane and Fergusson in protecting 
 the retreat, at the request of General Echols, and passed through 
 Lew isburg about daylight the next morning. The sixteenth Virginia 
 cavalry having come in from Meadow Bluff, remained there and brought 
 Wp the rear. A portion of my command, with others, were cut off, 
 there being but the one road to retreat upon, and that at one time 
 somewhat jammed by horsemen, infantry and trains, but it afforded me 
 pleasure to state that the most of those cut off are safe, and are re- 
 turning to their commands. I fear my loss is about one hundred and 
 fifty in killed and wounded, including a number of gallant officers. 
 You will appreciate the difficulty in estimating the loss at this time. 
 My train and artillery were all brought out safely, except the wagon 
 loaded with corn, which broke down. The horses are safe. 
 
 My command, and the officers and men of others, so far as they 
 came under my immediate notice, made a splendid fight against over- 
 whelming odds, as long as the position was tenable. I have pratici- 
 
11 ' 
 
 ft 
 
 pated in a number of distinguished battles, and have not witnessed 
 more gallant conduct anywhere. I cannot omit calling attention, es- 
 pecially, to the brave bearing of Captains L. R. Exline, (who lost an 
 arm at Sharpsburg,) George Downs, J. W. Ball, D. M. Camp, and Lewis 
 Martin, (the latter twice wounded,) and Lieutenants S. W. Rice, C. 
 Minter, John Lewis and J. Morgan, (the latter killed.) 
 
 The officers and men of Captain J. W. Ball's nineteenth Virginia 
 cavalry never were in disorder during the fight or retreat. There are 
 others who deserve notice for gallant conduct, but the limits of this 
 report preclude their mention. 
 
 I witnessed great gallantry on the part of officers and men of the 
 fourteenth Virginia cavalry, and the twenty- second Virginia regi- 
 ment, but these will doubtless be appropriately mentioned by the pro- 
 per officers. 
 
 The officers and men of Captain Lurty's battery exhibited a high 
 order of courage and skill, and both at Mill Point, and at Droop 
 mountain gave indications of what that new company will yet be- 
 come. 
 
 The loss of the enemy was much greater than ours. I should say, 
 from my own observation, double the number in killed and wounded. 
 He took but few prisoners in my opinion. 
 
 The brilliant fight at Droop mountain, and the subsequent move- 
 ments of our force, will, I am satisfied, compel the enemy to abandon 
 his designs, whatever they are, or were, notwithstandingfliis force 
 numbering near ten thousand, including the force from the Kanawha 
 valley, that was to cut off our retreat. 
 
 Accompanying this, are the reports of Colonel William W. Arnett 
 and Lieutenant Colonel William P. Thompson, to which I call special 
 attention. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 WILLIAM L. JACKSON, 
 Colonel commanding brigade. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL PATTON. 
 
 Headquarters Twenty-Second Virginia Regiment, > 
 Camp Bailey, Nov. 19, 1863. \ 
 
 Captain R. II. Catlett, 
 
 Assistant Adjutant General : 
 
 Captain : I have the honor to submit the following report of the 
 operations of the troops under my command in the action of Droop 
 Mountain, on the 6th instant. 
 
 I was ordered by the Brigadier General commanding to assume com- 
 mand of his brigade, consisting only of the twenty-second Virginia 
 regiment and twenty-third Virginia battalion — the twenty-sixth Vir- 
 ginia battalion, under Lieutenant Colonel Edgar, having been de- 
 tached to occupy a position on another road. Upon tho troop9 
 reaching the western extremity of the mountain, I ordered Major 
 Blessing, commanding the twenty-third Virginia battalion, to move 
 his command to the right of the turnpike road, at tho summit of the 
 mountain, and to deploy two companies as skirmishers in his front. 
 The twenty-second Virginia regiment, commanded by Major It. A. 
 Bailey, was ordered to a position in the rear of the artillery, to act as 
 support. It soon became evident that the enemy's efforts would be 
 directed wholly to our centre and left. I was now requested by Col- 
 onel W. L. Jackson to move a regiment to his right and rear as a 
 reserve to his command, and to protect the right of the hill on which 
 the artillery was posted. I ordered the twenty-second Virginia regi- 
 ment forward, and supplied its place near the artillery with the 
 -twenty-third Virginia battalion, now reduced to six companies, two 
 being detached as pickets on roads in our rear. 
 
 While these dispositions were being made, a brisk artillery duel 
 was kept up, and the skirmishing along the line became frequent and 
 heavy. The increased rapidity of the firing on the left now gave 
 notice that the enemy were there in force ; and I was ordered by General 
 Echols to send the twenty-third Virginia battalion to reinforce Lieu- 
 tenant Colonel Thompson, of the nineteenth Virginia cavalry, in com- 
 mand on that flank. This was done, and the action became very 
 heavy in that direction. It was evident that our men were largely 
 outnumbered, and were being driven back. At this juncture, I was 
 ordered to assume command on that flank, and three companies of the 
 twenty-second Virginia regiment under command of Captain John R. 
 Thompson, sent with me. On reaching the scene of action, it was 
 evident that our little force was largely outnumbered, and the enemy 
 were entirely beyond both flanks, our forces were retiring from the 
 field, in spite of the earnest and gallant efforts of Lieutenant Colonel 
 Thompson and other officers to rally them. Captain Thompson, with 
 his three companies, gallantly rushed to the front, formed under a 
 galling fire, and actually drove back the enemy for some little dis- 
 tance. I now endeavored to rally men to his support, seconded most 
 
13 
 
 gallantly by Colonel Thompson ; and we succeeded in collecting a 
 considerable number together, when I received a communication from 
 General Echols informing me that the whole right had given away, 
 and ordering me to fall back to the main road, and join him. I sent 
 orders to the commanders to fall back slowly ; and with the men we 
 had collected, marched to the road. I was then ordered by General 
 Echols to proceed to the front, and endeavor to rally the men, which 
 I eould not succeed in doing, as the whole road was blockaded with 
 artillery caissons, wagons and horses, which forced many of the men 
 to take to the woods, to escape capture, and which prevented anything 
 like reorganization. 
 
 At Frankfort, nineteen miles from the field, I succeeded in collect- 
 ing a nucleus of the command, and kept it together. I am ignorant 
 of what passed on the right after I was sent away ; but that part of 
 the field was under the personal supervision of General Echols, and I 
 am without an official report, in consequence of the death of Major 
 Bailey. I cannot conclude without expressing my high appreciation 
 of the valor and desperate courage of the troops under my command. 
 They fought under the most discouraging circumstances, and fought 
 well ; and they were still fighting when they were ordered to retire. 
 
 The twenty- second Virginia regiment went into action about five 
 hundred strong, losing one hundred and thirteen in killed and 
 wounded and missing. The twenty-third Virginia battalion was about 
 three hundred and fifty strong, and lost sixty-one in killed, wounded 
 and missing. 
 
 I have to deplore the loss of the gallant Major R. A. Bailey, of 
 the twenty-second Virginia regiment. When struck, he was bearing 
 the colors of his regiment, and rallying his men by voice and example. 
 In him the cause has lost a brave and devoted officer, whose cool 
 courage and excellent judgment had been tested on many fields. 
 
 Lieutenant William S. McClanahan, of company A, of the same 
 regiment, was mortally wounded, and has since died. He was a gal- 
 lant soldier. 
 
 Major William Blessing, of the twenty- third Virginia battalion, is 
 entitled to credit for his skilful handling of his men, and for his 
 courage. He speaks most favorably of Adjutant James A. Harden. 
 Captains R. S. Laidley and George L. Chilton, of the twenty-seeond 
 Virginia regiment, were seriously wounded while gallantly leading 
 and encouraging their men, and are recommended for favorable notice. 
 
 I cannot mention particularly the officers on the right, as I was 
 not a witness of the fight there. I feel it my duty to call especial 
 attention to Captain John R. Thompson, company A, twenty-second 
 Virginia regiment, who received his third wound on this occasion, 
 while bravely leading his men. This gallant young officer is entitled 
 to great credit ; and he is earnestly recommended to the favorable 
 notice of the Brigadier General commanding. 
 
 I owe thanks to Captain William R. Preston, A. A. G., and Lieu- 
 tenant Myers Rand, adjutant of the twenty- second Virginia regiment, 
 acting as aids. They carried my orders intelligently, and were much 
 exposed. Their gallantry was conspicuous. 
 
14 
 
 Sergeant Major Munroe Quanier is also entitled to credit for 
 courage and efficiency. 
 
 I have the honor to be, very respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant. 
 
 GEO. S. PATTON, 
 Colonel conxmanding Brigade. 
 
REPORT OF COLONEL FERGUSSON. 
 
 Headquarters Jenkins' Cavalry Brigade, 
 November 16, 1863. 
 
 Major C. S. Stringfellow, A. A. G. : 
 
 Major : I have the honor to submit the following report of the 
 action of a portion of this command in the action at Droop Moun- 
 tain, on the 16th instant. 
 
 Having received information from Brigadier General Echols, of the 
 advance of the enemy under General Averill upon Mill Point, the 
 position occupied by Colonel Jackson's command, I ordered the four- 
 teenth Virginia cavalry (Colonel Cochran's command) to the support 
 of Colonel Jackson, at Mill Point, with orders to co-operate with 
 Colonel Jackson in contesting the advance of the enemy. 
 
 Upon consultation with General Echols, it was deemed unsafe *o 
 withdraw the whole force from the front of Lewisburg, guarding the 
 approaches from Kanawha and Nicholas counties. Accordingly the 
 sixteenth regiment Virginia cavalry, Major Norman commanding, 
 was ordered to take position near Bunger's mill, five miles west of 
 Lewisburg, while a squadron from the fourteenth regiment Virginia 
 cavalry, ( Captain Strain commanding, ) remained upon picket and 
 outpost duty, covering the roads from Nicholas county. Although 
 no advance wa3 at that time reported from Kanawha, apprehensions 
 were felt, that such an advance would be made in co-operation with 
 General Averill, and the presence of an increased force in that direc- 
 tion, strengthened these apprehensions. 
 
 Having received no orders from Major General Jones, indicating 
 the disposition I was to make of this command, I reported to Brigadier 
 General Echols, and was under his orders, and did then, and do nov/, 
 cheerfully concur with General Echols in the disposition made of the 
 whole command, On the morning of the 5th instant, I joined Gene- 
 ral Echols, who was then on the march, and arrived at the camp of 
 Colonel Jackson, at the eastern base of Droop Mountain, at six 
 o'clock, A. M., of the 6th instant. One squadron from the fourteenth 
 regiment, was ordered to take position upon what is known as the 
 " old road" or " Locust Creek road," the residue of the fourteenth 
 regiment ( being the efficient men of six companies) were dismounted 
 and participated in the engagement which followed. Four companies 
 were upon the extreme left of the line of battle, under the immediate 
 command of Lieutenant Colonel Gibson, and two companies in the 
 centre under command of Captains Smith and McClung. 
 
 The enemy's force was large and overpowering. Our force ^f.w 
 compelled to fall back. Some confusion prevailed at first, owing in a 
 great degree to the shape of the ground and the character of the 
 country, and also to an alarm which had spread among the horse 
 holders ; but after the command had remounted, order was restored 
 and an efficient rear guard formed. The enemy pressed vigorously, 
 
16 
 
 and skirmishing continued for ten miles. Upon arriving at Frankfort, 
 and halting the command for rest and food, inf )rmation was received 
 from Major Norman, of the advance of the enemy in force, from 
 Kanawha, and at that time, at Meadow Bluff, fifteen miles west of 
 Lewisburg. The march was again resumed, the sixteenth regiment 
 remaining in position until the column had passed Lewisburg, and 
 then formed the rear guard, leaving Lewisburg as the enemy, in large 
 force, entered it from Kanawha. 
 
 Our loss in that portion of the fourteenth regiment engaged, was 
 three killed, eight wounded and fourteen missing. 
 
 Among the wounded are Captains Smith and McClung and Lieuten- 
 ant G. T. Koger. 
 
 Major B. F. Eakle, Captain E. E. Bouldin and Lieutenant J. A. 
 Fi-amenter, of the fourteenth regiment, with the privates who com- 
 posed the rear guard, behaved with the most commendable coolness 
 and courage. 
 
 The distinguished gallantry of Lieutenant C. T. Ilarvie, of the P. 
 A. C. S., is worthy of the highest commendation. 
 
 I am Major, your most obedient servant, 
 
 M. J. FERGUSSON, 
 Commanding brigade.