George B. McClellan to E.D. Townsend, July 7, 1861

Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General:

Newspaper reports say that my department is to be broken up. I hope the General will leave under my control both the operations on the Mississippi and in Western Virginia. If he cannot do so, the Indiana and Ohio troops are necessary to my success. With these, means at my disposal, and such resources as I command in Virginia, if the Gov_ ernment will give me ten thousand arms for distribution in Eastern Tennessee I think I can break the backbone of secession. Please instruct whether to move on Staunton or on to Wytheville.* I thank the General for his commendation, and hope to deserve rather in the future than in the past. Please enforce the occupation of Cumberland and Piedmont. The condition of things in that vicinity renders it absolutely necessary to occupy both these points, and you will remember that my command does not extend that far. I cannot too strongly impress upon you the necessity of holding these points. The Pennsylvania State troops now in the vicinity of Cumberland will answer the purpose perfectly well.

GEO. B. McOLELLAN, Major-General, Commanding.

JULY 9, 1861. General MCOLELLAN, U. S. Army, Buckhannon :

Your telegrams of 7th received. The General concedes that you are _the best judge of your means and the importance of the objects to be

*General Scott’s answer follows.

gained; but when you speak of extending your operations to Staunton, and even to Wytheville, he fears your line will be too long without intermediate supports. He wishes you to weigh well these points before deciding.

HEADQUARTERS eis trtees OF THE O8IO, Middle Fork Bridge, Va., July 10, 1861. To Lieut. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND:

In sight of the enemy, who is strongly intrenched and holds firm. A strong armed reconnaissance is now starting out. I think J ean turn his position; feel sure of successinany event. This country exceedingly difficult to operate in. My other column from Philippi is also within a mile of the intrenchments on Laurel Hill; advanced guards within two hundred yards of the enemy on each line; all my men eager for the fight. The companies at Glenville are safe, and favorable chance of cutting off O. J. Wise. I shall make no further extended movement without laying the whole case before the General and obtaining his orders in advance. Wish to clear my department fully of the enemy, and then be ready to carry out the views of the General-in-Chief. Can shorten distance from base by adopting anew base in event of extended operations.

Please send me more regular officers; some old regiments, if possible. I want those mountain guns at once. I have great difficulties to meet, but have gone into them knowing that the General will give me support as I need it, and that he will appreciate my position.

GEO. B. McCLELLAN, Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE Ohio, Rich Mountain, Va—9 a. m., 12th. [July, 1861.] Col. E. D. TOWNSEND:

We are in possession of all the enemy’s works up to a point in sight of Beverly. Have taken all his guns, a very large amount of wagons, tents, &c.—everything he had.

Rosecrans’ column left camp yesterday morning and marched some eight miles through the mountains, reaching turnpike some two or three miles in rear of the enemy. Defeated an advance force, taking a couple of guns. I had position ready for twelve guns near main camp, and as guns were moving up ascertained that enemy had retreated. J am now pushing on to Beverly, a part of Rosecrans’ troops being now within three miles of it. Our success complete and almost bloodless. Doubt whether Wise and Johnston will unite and overpowerme. Behavior of troops in action and towards prisoners admirable.