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repaired the bridge, and established railroad-communications with Wheeling.
Soon after, Colonel Stedman occupied Clarksburg, and established communications with Colonel Kelley.
The enemy fell back from Grafton upon Philippi, on the high-road from Wheeling to Staunton, in Central Virginia. General McClellan in the mean time had despatched three Indiana regiments, under Brigadier-General Morris, to Grafton.
They arrived on the 31st of May; and General Morris at once assumed the chief command.
Hardly six weeks had elapsed since Captain McClellan had been first called upon by Governor Dennison for assistance; and in that time he had actually created an army and begun the first campaign!
The first encounter of the war took place at Philippi, a small town two hundred and ten miles from Richmond.
On the 2d of June, General Morris determined to endeavor to drive from this town the rebel force there, under Colonel Porterfield.
The attacking force consisted of five regiments, formed in two columns,--the first under Colonel Kelley, the second under Colonel Dumont, accompanied by Colonel (afterwards the lamented General) Lander.
Colonel Kelley's column moved towards Philippi by way of Thornton, a distance of twenty-seven miles, partly by railroad.
The other column moved directly on Philippi in front.
This one reached its destination early on the 3d, notwithstanding deep mud and heavy rain, and at once opened fire from two pieces of artillery upon the enemy, who began a retreat, which was
Philadelphia. Lippincott & Co. 1864.
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