Chances of the Confederacy to win

[whitworth]

It never received much study, but when seceding, how did Virginia ever think it could defend its western counties, that bordered on the Ohio River, Ohio and Pennsylvania?

[ole]

There didn't seem to be much rational thinking at the time, which makes the time such a fascinating subject for study and discussion. What were they thinking?
Ole

[SpartanGSG]

As for the western counties of VA which I presume you to mean what was to be West Virginia I happen to think military operations in that rugged country such as the Romney engagement were not intentionally considered. More emphasis on both sides were placed on what what was considered to be more vulnerable locations, i.e. St Louis., Louisville/Lexington, Cincinnati and the most obvious areas between the two capitals.
REgards,
Spartan