He reported all his command cut to pieces and captured except the few that were with him, and wrote an official report of the engagement, giving that result.
On the 28th, however, we heard that Major Casement had carried 400 of the regiment safely into Charleston.

He had rallied them on the hills immediately after the rout, and finding the direct road to Gauley Bridge intercepted, had led them by mountain paths over the ridges to the valley of Elk River, and had then followed that stream down to Charleston without being pursued.

[Footnote: Official Records, vol.li.

pt.i.p.

462.] This put a new face on the business, and Tyler in much confusion asked the return of his report that he might re-write it.