This latter force, having landed at Wheeling on May 26th, advanced as
far as Grafton on the 29th. At this time Colonel Porterfield, with the
small force of seven hundred men, sent forward by Governor Letcher, of
Virginia, was at Philippi. On the night of June 2d he was attacked by
General McClellan, with a strong force, and withdrew to Laurel Hill.
Reenforcements under General Garnett were sent forward and occupied the
hill, while Colonel Pegram, the second in command, held Rich Mountain.
On July 11th the latter was attacked by two columns of the enemy, and,
after a vigorous defense, fell back on the 12th, losing many of his men,
who were made prisoners. General Garnett, hearing of this reverse,
attempted to fall back, but was pursued by McClellan, and, while
striving to rally his rear guard, was killed. Five hundred of his men
were taken prisoners. This success left the Northern forces in
possession of that region.
The difficult character of the country in which the battle was fought,
as well from mountain acclivity as dense wood, rendered a minute
knowledge of the roads of vast importance. There is reason to believe
that competent guides led the enemy, by roads unknown to our army, to
the flank and rear of its position, and thus caused the sacrifice of
those who had patriotically come to repel the invasion of the very
people who furnished the guides to the enemy. It was treachery
confounding the counsels of the brave.
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