I expected Floyd to move at the same time, and was obliged to continue upon the defensive by reason of his threatening position up the Gauley River; I, however, sent Major Hines with his two companies in that direction, and Floyd appeared to be impressed with the idea that my whole force was moving to attack him and attempted nothing aggressive.

As at this time Wise, in his letters to General Lee, puts Floyd's force at 5600, and his own at 2200, [Footnote: _Id_., vol.v.p.

840.] I had good reason, therefore, to feel satisfied with being able to keep them all at bay.
In the midst of the alarms from every side, my camp itself was greatly excited by an incident which would have been occasion for regret at any time, but which at such a juncture threatened for a moment quite serious consequences.

The work of intrenching the position was going on under the direction of Lieutenant Wagner as rapidly as the small working parties available could perform it.

All were overworked, but it was the rule that men should not be detailed for fatigue duty who had been on picket the preceding night.