 Preserving "Lincoln's Lifeline" was of equal importance to Federal forces.The bridges crossing Cheat River and Tray Run in Rowlesburg strategic because their destruction would halt rail traffic all the way to the Ohio River.After the initial threat posed by General Garrett's unsuccessful move toward Rowlesburg in 1861, the Rowlesburg garrison had been gradually reduced to about 250 men under the command of Major John Showalter.