259, 657.] There was nothing to be done but to summon philosophy to my aid, and to hope that all would turn out for the best.

Before Rosecrans left Gauley Bridge four more regiments were added to the eight already ordered away, together with four batteries of artillery.

Some new regiments had joined us, and the aggregate of troops remaining was perhaps not much below the number present when Rosecrans reached Carnifex Ferry in September; but most of them were freshly organized regiments, with whom the work of drill and discipline had to begin at first lessons.

Three of the batteries taken away were regulars, and the other was Loomis's Michigan battery, one of the oldest and best instructed of our volunteer batteries.

The places of these were not supplied.