In western Virginia at the Battle of Rich Mountain, July 11, 1861, part of McClellan’s force, led by General William Rosecrans, followed a rugged mountain path to swing around behind the Rebels’ left flank. McClellan had promised to attack the Confederate front when he heard gunfire from Rosecrans’s direction. After a difficult march through a drenching rain, Rosecrans struck the Confederate wing. It took several attempts, but he was finally able to drive the Confederates from their position. McClellan shelled the Rebel position, but did not make the expected assault. Each side suffered around 70 casualties. On the morning of July 12, General Rosecrans sent word to General McClellan the enemy had been routed. General McClellan promptly sent a telegram to Washington claiming a great victory, a communication that bolstered McClellan's reputation as a winning general. It was a small triumph, but the North was anxious to have a victory.
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July 8, 1861, President Lincoln urges Secretary of War Simon Cameron to furnish Adjutant General James S. Wheat, "if possible with what arms, equipage &c. &c. he needs" for defense of western Virginia. [Source: The Lincoln Log]