George B. McClellan had moved his divisions from Clarksburg south against Lieutenant Colonel John Pegram's Confederates on June 27, reaching the vicinity of Rich Mountain on July 9.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Thomas A. Morris's Union brigade has marched from Philippi to confront Brigadier General Robert S. Garnett's command at Laurel Hill.
On July 10–11, Brigadier General William Rosecrans leads a reinforced brigade by a mountain path to seize the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike in Pegram's rear.
A sharp two-hour fight ensues in which the Confederates are split in two.
Half escape to Beverly and on over the Shawnee Trail, but ...
