Judah P. Benjamin to Jefferson Davis, January 3, 1862

To the PRESIDENT :

SIR : I have the honor to submit herewith for communication to Congress the official reports of the battle of Alleghany Mountain; in which our troops, 1,200 in number, successfully withstood the assault of more than fourfold their number, and drove the enemy from the field after a combat as obstinate and as hard fought as any that has occurred during the war.

Your appreciation of the conduct of Colonel Johnson has already been testified by his promotion to the grade of brigadier-general, and I have taken pleasure in conveying to the gallant troops under his command the expression of approval and admiration that they so fully deserve.

I doubt not that Congress, on the reading of this report, will cordially concur with the Executive in the opinion that in this brilliant combat officers and men have alike deserved well of their country and meritits thanks.

very respectfully,