Exhibit 5.1

                                Patton Boggs LLP
                               1660 Lincoln Street
                                   Suite 1900
                             Denver, Colorado 80264

                                 (303) 830-1776


                                November 21, 2003

Double Eagle Petroleum Co.
777 Overland Trail (P.O. Box 766)
Casper, Wyoming

Gentlemen and Ladies:

     We have acted as counsel for Double Eagle Petroleum Co., a Maryland
corporation (the "Company"), in connection with preparation of the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, concerning the registration of the transfer
of up to 1,295,000 shares of the Company's $.10 par value common stock (the
"Common Stock") by the selling shareholders named in the Registration Statement
(the "Selling Stockholders").

     We have examined such certificates, agreements, documents and papers, and
we have made such other inquiries and investigations of law as we have deemed
appropriate and necessary in order to express the opinion set forth in this
letter. In our examinations, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures,
the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, photostatic, or
conformed copies and the authenticity of the originals of all such latter
documents. In addition, as to certain matters we have relied upon certificates
and advice from various state authorities and public officials, and we have
assumed the accuracy of the material and the factual matters contained herein.

     Subject to the foregoing and on the basis of the aforementioned
examinations and investigations, it is our opinion that the 1,295,000 shares of
Common Stock being transferred by the Selling Stockholders as described in the
Registration Statement have been legally issued and constitute fully paid and
non-assessable shares of the Company's Common Stock.

     We hereby consent (a) to be named in the Registration Statement and in the
prospectus that constitutes a part of the Registration Statement as acting as
counsel in connection with the transfer of the Common Stock, including with
respect to the validity of the Common Stock offered; and (b) to the filing of
this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

     This opinion is to be used solely for the purpose of the registration of
the Common Stock and may not be used for any other purpose.

                                                     Very truly yours,

                                                     /s/ Patton Boggs LLP

                                                     PATTON BOGGS LLP