Through late Northern papers we have the melancholy intelligence of the death of
Colonel George Patton, of a wound received in the battle near
Winchester on the 19th ultimo.
Colonel Patton was a son of the late
John M. Patton, of this city, and is the second of the family who has yielded his life in this war for Southern independence.
He was a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, but adopted the profession of the law, and settled in
Kanawha county, where, as the partner of
George W. Summers, and by the application of his own brilliant intellect, he soon attained a high position at the bar. When the war broke out, however, he was among the first to offer his services to his country.
In an arduous campaign in
Western Virginia he greatly distinguished himself, and was badly wounded at the battle of
Scary.
As soon as he recovered he again took the field, and was in command of our forces at
White Sulphur Springs which defeated
Averill in the summer of 1863.
In many battles in which he was subsequently engaged he proved his bravery and his fitness to command.
The South could ill afford to lose such a man in a period like the present; but he has left behind him an honorable name, and his memory will be cherished by all who entertain respect for courage, manliness and high-toned chivalry.
Colonel Patton was not probably more than thirty years of age, but he had achieved a reputation of which many older officers might be proud.
Two of his brothers are still in the service, both holding the rank of colonel.