Planned by Brigadier General Irving Morrell, the operation drove the Confederates out of Pennsylvania. It took place in the aftermath of Morrell's barrels attacking the Confederate forces around Pittsburgh. U.S. forces had been able to completely encircle the city, trapping the C.S. soldiers inside. Confederate President Jake Featherston, who ordered the attack on Pittsburgh, refused to order his troops to immediately retreat from the city, as he was convinced his forces could be supplied by air. However he did send a relief force to the city.