Confederate Brigadier General J.E.B. Stuart led a brigade-sized mixed force of cavalry, infantry, and artillery to protect a foraging expedition in the vicinity of Dranesville.
Union Brigadier General E.O.C. Ord, advancing on the Georgetown Pike, encountered General Stuart's cavalry.
Both sides deployed as more units arrived on the field, and a sharp firefight developed.
Stuart withdrew in the mid-afternoon after ensuring that his wagons were safely in the rear.
Result(s): Union victory
Location: Fairfax County
Campaign: McClellan's Operations in Northern Virginia (October-December 1861) previous battle in campaign Campaigns
Date(s): December 20, 1861
Principal Commanders: Brigadier General E.O.C. Ord [US]; Brigadier General J.E.B. Stuart [CS]
Forces Engaged: Brigades
Estimated Casualties: 301 total (US 71; CS 230)
Advance of the Skirmishers of the Bucktail Rifles on the Confederate Position at Drainsville, Virginia
Illustrated London News