Joseph Drake (June 14, 1806 – October 24, 1878) lawyer and plantation owner, was a Colonel in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War, who commanded a brigade in two major battles.
After being promoted to major general on September 19, 1861, Van Dorn was transferred to Virginia and on October 4, was given command of the 1st Division in Beauregard's corps in the Army of the Potomac, under Joseph E. Johnston.
The Fourth Mississippi infantry, which had been detached from Van Dorn's division of the Army of the Potomac, was one of the two regiments at Fort Henry which were at all experienced in war, and the men conducted themselves as veterans.
The Fourth was under fire in the trenches at Donelson during February 13 and 14, and participated in the assault which was made on the 15th for the purpose of opening a line of retreat.
His son John Beckenridge Drake (1840–1922) joined Company K, 30th Mississippi infantry on February 27, 1862, shortly after his father was captured.
He was imprisoned at Johnson's Island, then admitted Feb 21 1862 to U.S.A. Prison Hospital, Camp Douglas Chicago, Illinois received at Camp Chase Columbus, Ohio on March 1, transferred March 6, to Fort Warren, Boston and released on parole on 7 April for the purpose of exchange for Colonel Milton Cogswell, 42d New York Volunteers, April 11, 1862, awaiting exchange at Baltimore, to report to Maj. Gen. John E. Wool at Fort Monroe, Virginia.