McClellan’s Operations in Northern Virginia (October-December 1861)
Dates:
October 21, 1861
Principal Commanders:
  Union States: Brig. Gen. Charles P. Stone and Col. Edward Baker   Confederate States: Brig. Gen. Nathan G. Evans
Forces Engaged:
  Union States: 2,000   Confederate States: 1,600 Total:3,600
Estimated Casualties:
  Union States: 921   Confederate States: 149 Total: 1,070 total
Results:
Result(s): Confederate victory
Description:
Confederate Brig. Gen. Nathan “Shanks” Evans stopped a badly coordinated attempt by Union forces under Brig. Gen. Charles P. Stone to cross the Potomac at Harrison’s Island and capture Leesburg. A timely Confederate counterattack drove the Federals over the bluff and into the river. More than 700 Federals were captured. Col. Edward D. Baker (a U.S. Senator) was killed. This Union rout had severe political ramifications in Washington and led to the establishment of the Congressional Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War.