force, before which the Wisconsins were compelled to retrace their steps, leaving behind them the captured gun. Being re-enforced with three other companies, and headed by Col. Geary, they returned to the contest, and after a sharp action, drove back the enemy a second time, and secured the gun. Our loss was but 4 killed and 8 wounded; that of the enemy not ascertained.

CHAPTER V.

ATTEMPTED SUBJUGATION OF WESTERN VIRGINIA. Rebel Invasion Vigorously Met-Gen. McClellan's Advance-Colonel Kelly and the Loyal Virginians-McClellan's Proclamation-Adieu to His Soldiers — Grafton Evacuated-Advance upon Philippi-Surprise-Captures-Series of Successes-Indian Quarrels - Battle of Romney-Battle of Rich Mountain-Battle of Carrack Ford-Death of the Rebel General Garnett-Defeat, Capture, and Dispersion of the Rebels — McClellan's Congratulatory Address to his Soldiers - Battle of Cheat Mountain Pass.

Simultaneously with movements in Eastern Virginia, rebel forces had been advanced into the western part of the State, to overawe and silence the loyal feeling, which in that section was strongly in the ascendancy. That section had voted with great unanimity against secession; and when it became inevitable, resolved to cut lose from the disloyal portion of the State. A convention convened at Wheeling on the 11th aay of June, in which thirty-nine of the western counties were represented. That convention passed an ordinance re-organizing the State government, all the officers being obliged to take the oath of allegiance to the United States. Francis H. Pierrpont was unanimously elected Governor, and other State officers chosen. A Legislature was chosen, which assembled at Wheeling, on the first day of July, 1861. The United States officially acknowledged the new State, which chose two United State Senators.

The convention on the 20th of August, passed an ordinance creating the new State of "Kanawha." Thirty-nine counties were included in its limits, with provisions for the admission of others. In October, the people voted on the question of forming a new State, and affirmed it by very decided majorities.

GEN. MC CLELLAN'S PROCLAMATION.

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Formal application was made to Congress, for admission into the Union as a State, which was much discussed during the session of 1861 and '62, and a bill for that purpose passed the Senate; but it was postponed in the House. The latter body, however, early the next session, adopted the bill.

The Federal Government early adopted energetic measures to maintain its authority, and protect its loyal citizens. The rebels speedily occupied Grafton, Philippi, and other points. Gen. McClellan was placed in command of the Ohio troops, and charged with the duty of protecting Western Virginia, and of co-operating with Gen. Patterson, who was advancing towards Harper's Ferry.

On Monday, May 27, Col. Kelly, commanding the loyal Virginians, who had rallied with alacrity to the Union standard, advanced toward the rebel position at Grafton. The 14th and 16th Ohio regiments made, at the same time, supporting movements the 14th occupying Parkersburg. The expedition was under the command of Gen. McClellan. On May 26th, he issued the following, "To the People of Virginia," to which they responded by large enlistments, and by as signal bravery as has marked the action of any troops in the service :

"Virginians,—The General Government has long enough endured the machinations of a few factious rebels in your midst Armed traitors have in vain endeavored to deter you from expressing your loyalty at the polls. Having failed in this infamous attempt to deprive you of the exercise of your dearest rights, they now seek to inaugurate a reign of terror, and thus force you to yield to their schemes, and submit to the yoke of the traitorous conspiracy, dignified by the name of Southern Confederacy.

"They are destroying the property of citizens of your State, and ruining your magnificent railways. The General Government has heretofore carefully abstained from sending

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troops across the Ohio, or even from posting them along its banks, although frequently urged by many of your prominent citizens to do so. It determined to await the result of the State election, desirous that no one might be able to say that the slightest effort had been made from this side to influence the expression of your opinion, although the many agencies brought to bear upon you by the rebels were well known. You have now shown, under the most adverse circumstances, that the great mass of the people of Western Virginia are true and loyal to the beneficent Government under which we and our fathers have lived so long. As soon as the result of the election was known, the traitors commenced their work of destruction.

"The General Government cannot close its ears to the demand you have made for assistance. I have ordered troops to cross the river. They come as your friends and brothers—as enemies only to the armed rebels who are preying upon you. Your homes, your families, and your property are safe under our protection. All your rights shall be religiously protected.

"Notwithstanding all that has been said by the traitors to induce you to believe that our advent among you will be signalized by interference with your slaves, understand one thing clearly not only will we abstain from all interference, but we will, on the contrary, with an iron hand, crush any attempt at insurrection on their part.

"Now that we are in your midst, I call you to fly to arms, and support the General Government; sever the connection that binds you to traitors; proclaim to the world that the faith and loyalty so long boasted of by the Old Dominion are still preserved in Western Virginia, and that you remain true to the stars and stripes."

At the same time, he issued to his soldiers, the following spirited and patriotic address: