Summary:
In early July, 1861, Union General George B. McClellan defeated Confederates
under Robert S. Garnett in what is now West Virginia. In this dispatch, Major
Michael G. Harman, commanding at Staunton, reports to Jefferson Davis on the
situation, including steps taken to prevent a total disaster.
President DAVIS:
STAUNTON, VA.,
July 15, 1861.
Our force has retreated to Monterey. We have no certain knowledge that the enemy have taken possession of Cheat Mountain in force. We hope that by prompt action it can be taken and held by our troops with suitable re-enforcements. Certainly they can hold other mountains west of Monterey. The enemy is it possession Cheat Mountain, and still more at Monterey will find free passage to the Central Railroad, and to the valley in rear of Gen. Johnston, unless vigorously opposed. There is a turnpike road from Huttonsville to Huntersville, and thence to the Warm Springs, and thence to the Central Railroad at Milborough, as well as to Jackson's River and Lewisburg, from Monterey to the Warm Springs, and to Hardy County. There are turnpike roads to prevent the enemy coming from the direction of Warm Springs, or northeastwardly into the valley. We should hold Cheat Mountain, or be as near it as possible, so as to threaten his rear and flank in any movement he makes, besides checking his advance in this direction, and keeping command of several roads for the advance of our troops. A force may be sent also to Jackson's River, by the Central Railroad, or by canal and turnpike from Lynchburg. A piece or two of artillery, with powder, lead, and buckshot, for the militia, should be sent with this force. They cannot be brought in this county. Without prompt action a local reverse may become a general disaster. Excuse these suggestions.
M. G. HARMAN,
Maj., Commanding.
Bibliographic Information : Letter Reproduced from The War of The Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, Volume 2, Serial No. 2, Pages 244, Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, NC, 1997.
