This episode bridges the gap from the phony war to the first major battle, First Manassas, which we will discuss next time. Several small engagements occupied the time from April-June 1861 and Congress adopted resolutions in early July. The small Battle of Big Bethel on the Virginia Peninsula went in favor of the Confederates, but General McClellan won three small engagements to consolidate Union control of Western Virginia. General Winfield Scott prepared to send his largest army into battle in Northeastern Virginia in July 1861 under Irvin McDowell.
