I verily believe that had Gen. Floyd follow-
ed their advice, he would now be on
Big Sewel Mountain. It seems to have
escaped their minds that Gen. Floyd
& his command are like a certain cat
which by fighting with its tail can
produce as much consternation & confusion
to an enemy in rear as by fighting
with its mouth.
Our scouts at Sewel, & after leaving
there, were very active & pressed those
of the enemy closely. Cavalry did most
of our scouting, infantry the enemy's.
Several small skirmishes occurred be-
tween them -- our side was generally
successful. Cavalry scouting is very
unsatisfactory -- necessarily only on the
roads & in danger of being ambushed
by infantry, which was often the case.
Our cavalry being compelled to disperse
& run, sometimes with loss. It must be
confessed that they have not distinguished
themselves for bravery & gallantry -- often
disgracefully deserting their officers.
From Sewell our advance was slow
& cautious -- feeling continually the
strength of the enemy. On the 21st. Aug.
Floyd's & Wise's combined forces reached Dog
Wood Gap on the Jas: River & Kanawha pike
10 or 12 miles from Gauley Bridge & 2 or 3
miles from the Hawk's Nest where the enemy
were stationed in force.
Having now arrived at a point from which our career is more ventful & attended
by more stirring achievements I will divert
for a time to speak of the Soil & appear-
ance of the Country through which we
passed, & its inhabitants.
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