In Missouri General Nathaniel Lyon had put to flight the disloyal governor, and established the supremacy of National authority.

In Western Virginia General McClellan had met with success in some minor engagements, and on the upper Potomac the forces under General Robert Patterson had gained some advantages.

A reverse of no very serious character had been experienced at Big Bethel, near Hampton Roads, by the troops under General Benjamin F.Butler.

General Robert C.Schenck, in command of a small force, had met with a repulse a few miles from Washington, near Vienna in the State of Virginia.

These incidents were not in themselves of special importance, but they indicated an aggressive energy on the part of the Confederates, and foreshadowed the desperate character which the contest was destined to assume.