The Fighting in Western Virginia.
November 16, 1863
The following are the official telegrams received in Washington about the recent expedition of Averill and Scammell into Western Virginia:
Clarksburg, November 8, 1863
To Governor Boreman:
Gen. Averill attacked Jackson's forces at Mill Point, Pocahontas county, on the 5th inst., and drove him from his position with trifling loss.--Jackson fell back to the summit of Droop Mountain, when he was reinforced by Gen. Echols with Patten's brigade and one regiment from Jenkins's command. The position is naturally a strong one, and was strengthened by breastworks commanding the road. Gen. Averill turned the enemy's left with his infantry, and attacked him in front with cavalry, dismounted.
The victory was decisive, and the enemy's retreat became a total rout, his forces throwing away their arms and scattering in every direction.
The cavalry pursued till dark, capturing many prisoners and a large quantity of arms, ammunition, &c.
The enemy's wounded have all fallen into our hands. Our loss in killed and wounded is about one hundred.
B. F. Kelley, Brig. Gen'l.
Clarksburg, Nov.8, 1863.
To Governor Boreman:
A telegram has just been received from Gen. Scammon, in which he says: "Gen. Duffie entered Lewisburg at half-past 10 o'clock A. M. on the 7th, the enemy having passed through in retreat from Averill, who gave him a severe whipping at Droop Mountain on the 6th."
Duffie captured the enemy's camp, tents, knapsacks, provisions, &c, one caisson, and upwards of one hundred head of cattle.
The cavalry have gone in pursuit. Averill has arrived.
B F Kelley, Brig. Gen.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: November 1863