In addition to this fresh troops were being raised to swell the effective force.

But the work of depletion commenced.

Buell with the Army of the Ohio was sent east, following the line of the Memphis and Charleston railroad.

This he was ordered to repair as he advanced -- only to have it destroyed by small guerilla bands or other troops as soon as he was out of the way.

If he had been sent directly to Chattanooga as rapidly as he could march, leaving two or three divisions along the line of the railroad from Nashville forward, he could have arrived with but little fighting, and would have saved much of the loss of life which was afterwards incurred in gaining Chattanooga.