Both sides had brigades present.

The casualties were light, but lopsided: 46 Union, about 300 Confederate.

In June 1861 Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan assumed command of Union forces in western Virginia. Within a week, on June 27, he moved his divisions from Clarksburg south against Lt. Col. John Pegram’s Confederates, reaching the vicinity of Rich Mountain on July 9.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. T.A. Morris’s Union brigade marched from Philippi to face Garnett’s command at Laurel Hill. On July 11, Brig. Gen. William S. Rosecrans’ reinforced brigade was led by a Union sympathizer by a mountain path around Pegram’s flank to seize the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike. A sharp two-hour fight ensued in which the Confederates were split in two. Half escaped to Beverly, but Pegram and the others surrendered on July 13. Hearing of Pegram’s defeat, Garnett abandoned Laurel Hill. The Federals pursued, and, during fighting at Corrick’s Ford on July 13, Garnett was killed, the first general to die in the war.

McClellan had not been shy in taking credit for the successes, and after the debacle at First Manassas, Lincoln called him to Washington to take command of the Army of the Potomac, and Rosecrans assumed command of Union forces in western Virginia.

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Selected sources:
American Battlefield Protection Program, Heritage Preservation Services, National Park Service.