On July 7th Morris arrived at Belington with about 4,000 men establishing his main camp just north of town at Yeager’s Farm in front of Laurel Hill. He immediately began skirmishing with Confederate forces daily and came to correctly believe that the bulk of their forces were in front of him. After two days Morris gained possession of Girard Hill, where he placed artillery within range of Garnett’s camp. Morris’ daily skirmishes from July 7-11 mistakenly convinced Garnett that the main Union force was at Laurel Hill. Despite criticism from McClellan, Morris had done his job keeping Garnett at Laurel Hill while the bulk of McClellan’s army attacked Rich Mountain. Of course, the bulk of McClellan’s army did not attack Rich Mountain only Rosecrans’ brigade did.

Garnett learning of Pegram’s fate, knew that he could not hold Laurel Hill if Rich Mountain fell, began his own retreat for Beverly. When Garnett reached Leadville (now Elkins) he was erroneously informed that the Federals already occupied Beverly and turned northward to escape across the Cheat River.

Laurel Hill Battlefield Veterans Memorial

In Honor of these whose Sacrifices Created this Hallowed Ground Monument

Laurel Hill- the highest point

Sources

Rebels at the Gate: Lee and McClellan on the Front Line of a Nation Divided by W. Hunter Lesser.

Blue and Gray Magazine August 1993 Northwestern Virginia Campaign of 1861 by Martin K. Fleming