Battle of Rich Mountain

“The battle of Rich Mountain, Beverly Pike, Va., between a division of Major General McClellan’s command, led by General Rosecrans, and the Confederate troops under Colonel Pegram, July 11th, 1863. Upon the arrival of General McClellan’s troops on the Beverly Pike, which runs along the summit of Rich Mountain, a heavy fire was opened upon them, the Confederates firing shot, shell and grape, but so wildly that little damage was done. The Federal troops dropped flat and deployed as skirmishers advancing slowly. The enemy, mistaking this movement, rushed from their breastworks with a shout and approached the road. The Federals then fired a most terrific and destructive volley, and rushed up the slope into the enemy’s ranks with fixed bayonets. The fight now raged promiscuously all over the hill. The Confederates were soon driven up the hill, over their breastworks, and completely routed. The battle continued for an hour and a half from the first to the last shot."— Frank Leslie, 1896

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