HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Parkersburg, Va. June 22, 1861.
COLONEL: I reached here yesterday morning, hoping to move forward during the day, but was delayed by want of wagons and the disorganization to be expected on the part of new troops moving for the first time into the field. In a few minutes (near 7 a. m.) I shall move with the advance to Clarksburg, taking one regiment of infantry, two detached companies (one of regulars), one battery, and a company of cavalry. Two Indiana regiments will follow during the morning, two Ohio regiments to-morrow. No other Ohio regiments will reach Grafton, via Ballaire, to-day. Reports from the front are somewhat contradictory, but agree in representing the enemy in strong force near Piedmont and Beverly. Notwithstanding that General Morris and others seem sure that we have a large force to contend with, I now am inclined to doubt it. I will, without delay, beat them up in their quarters and endeavor to put an end to their attempt in this direction. I have, I think, force enough to fight them wherever I find them.
General McCall telegraphs that Cumberland will be re-enforced on Monday. If that is accomplished, we should be able to cut off the force near Piedmont. As I cannot learn yet the quality of their troops (there are reports that there are some regiments of the regular Confederate troops) I shall be cautious in my movements. I fell very much the absolute necessity of more commissary and quartermaster officers, also of cavalry. I hope the Lieutenant-General will find it in his power to let me have the companies of First Cavalry, now at Leavenworth.
I received on the 18th instant the order adding Missouri to me department. My arrangements for coming here to take command are so far advanced that it was not possible for me to go to Missouri. I shall go there immediately on my return from this State.
I move hence on Clarksburg, and will act there according to the information I receive-either move in force on the rear of the enemy at Beverly or go on to Piedmont.
Excuse, colonel, the hurried nature of this.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. B. McCLELLAN,
Major-General, U. S. Army, Commanding Department.
Lieut. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Vol. II. With additions and corrections. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1902.
Spirit of '61 