To Thomas A. Morris
[Cincinnati, June 20, 1861]
I will move from Parkersburg on the flank & rear of your opponents. My force will be sufficient to fight a battle. I leave to you the care of Cheat River, which you will strongly reinforce & hold at all hazards.
Concentrate on Grafton if you cannot certainly hold Phillipi. I trust to you entirely the defence of Phillipi, Grafton & Fairmont. I will recall towards Parkersburg when I move, the troops on that road, leave a sufficient garrison there & advance prepared to fight whatever I meet. Be prudent but do not give one inch that you can avoid. Have urged Genl Scott to send a strong column by Cumberland on Romney to cut off retreat of the rebels. Be cool & firm & we will gain the first brilliant success.
G B McClellan,
Maj Genl USA
Sources
Sears, Stephen W., ed. The Civil War Papers of George B. McClellan: Selected Correspondence, 1860-1865. New York: Ticknor & Fields, 1989.
Spirit of '61 