December 14, 1861 (Friday): "Allegheny Ed" Beats Back An Attack

Camp Allegheny (Brian M. Powell)

STAUNTON, December 14, 1861.

General S. COOPER:
Dispatch from Colonel Johnson states that the enemy attacked him yesterday 5,000 strong, but was repulsed with great loss after an enagement of seven hours. The battle commenced at 7 a. m. Johnson's force was 1,200. The two regiments in rear have since re-enforced. His report will be be sent by mail.*


W. W. LORING,
Brigadier-General.

*See Vol. 5, Page 460.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 51, Part 2, Page 412.

Confederate forces under Colonel Edward "Alleghany" Johnson defended the Staunton-Parkersburg Pike from the summit of Allegheny Mountain.  On Decmeber 13 they were attacked by Union forces under General Robert Milroy.  The fight continued for much of the morning until Milroy's troops were beaten back and he retreated to Cheat Mountain.  The Confederate force in Western Virginia consisted of Johnson's five regiments and two under Henry Heath at Lewisburg.  The battlefield is the scene of a more modern controversy with concerns being raised over the impact to views in the area due to a large wind power generation project.