My dear Father,

     Since writing we have preformed a very arduous march of 225 miles and had one fight, and returned yesterday having completely out-Generaled, out-marched and in every respect out-done the yankee raiders. Learning that the yankees had advanced upon Jackson [i.e., Col. William L. Jackson, 19th Virginia Cavalry] near Droop mountain, we advanced by way of Millboro and Warm Springs in Bath Co, hoping to reach his rear in time to create a diversion in favor of the Confederate force in his front. In this accident placed our good intentions out of the way, for Jackson reinforced by Echols [i.e., Brig. Gen. John W. Echols] has been badly defeated, and driven back upon Lewisburg their combined forces scattered, and their artillery in the hands of the enemy [i.e., Battle of Droop Mountain, West Virginia, 6 November 1863], however, gloomy as the prospect then appeared, the Genl pushed on in the direction of White Sulphur following the course of Jacksons river. Upon reaching a point 9 miles from Covington we ascertained

that the Yankees having no opposition had taken possession of Lewisburg the day before, and were advancing upon the railroad by way of Covington. and that Their pickets were even then at Callahans tavern, only five miles from Covington on the Jacksons river & Lewisburg road, we at once sent one company from my regt on to Callahans with orders to drive in the Yankee picket and take possession of the bridge and remain until forced back, where they were to fall back in the direction of Covington. The com^d turned to the left and reached Covington that evening about sundown on the 8th The people welcomed us as deliverers. the next morning our picket was driven back for 3 miles on the Lewisburg road when we sent to their assistance the 62d Regt and 2 pieces of artillery, soon the rattle of musketry & the deep tones of artillery echoing through the deep mountain gorges told that the work had begun, it lasted about half an hour when the "victorious enemy" fell back and commenced a precipitate retreat. Our force was too small, to follow but had accomplished our work

In Covington I met your Old friend and brother engineer Mr Dunckan, and family he recognized my likeness to my dear Father and showed me every courtesy in his power Desired to be remembered to you and Mother and Mrs D sends her love says she never will forget Ma's kindness during her sickness Last but not least I was introduced to his two daughters and one of them is a perfect beauty, decidedly the handsomest woman west of the Blue ridge — they both shook hands for old acquaintance sake Thinking you would like to hear of Mr Fisk I enquired and Mr D told me he was in the insane asylum at Staunton. poor man!. On the night of the ninth we started back and upon reaching Goshen Depot learned that the enemy reinforced by another brigade had gone in the direction of Staunton having 20 miles the nearest road, and half a days start — we moved rapidly got in their front and took possession of Shenandoah but the enemy finding they were again foiled turned again and are gone I hope for the winter. I must not neglect to say that gallant Rockbridge Co sent 900 home guards to our assistance together with the corps

of cadets and two pieces of artillery, they were not in time for the fight but showed their willingness to assist, in addition to this they had 5 wagon loads of provisions brought from home Hams, chickens, turkey pies, nice bread, pound cake, pies, pickels fine rounds of salt beef and every delicacy you can think of which they voted to Imbodens command. They then formed in an open field, were addressed and complimented by Genl I, and disbanded Col Massie [i.e., Lt. Col. James W. Massie, commanding the Rockbridge County Home Guards] replied, the home guards then gave three cheers for Gen -I- and three for his command, Our Regt were then manuevered in the field to show them what regular cavalry can do and upon a proposition from the Col gave three cheers for the Rockbridge home guards, but I am enclined to think the prospect of the rich feast to our half starved veterans added much to the force with which the cheer was given. — My fine horse stood the trip splendidly and fully demonstrated his good qualities — he looks thinner but that was a matter of course. his life is not at all impaired. My new blanket answers splendidly, this horses back is not at all hurt. Charle's horse was nearly ruined by the trip I dont suppose he will be able to ride it for a month, sore back made so by the padded saddle — he sends love & is well. Wesley is well and anxious to know whether his things were recovered. I think upon reflection that if the small buttons cannot be gotten I wont have the large ones small cadet put upon my coat in the

Your Son
Julian

It snowed on the 8th & 9th while we were in the Alleghanies.

P. S. Yours of the 13th was Just now received I will attend to it as soon as possible though we move tomorrow and I fear the chance is blue.

G. J. P.

Sept. 62