I lighted a cigarette with such an air of nonchalance as

was much delayed by the requirement that he should repair the Memphis

and Charleston railroad as he progressed. The work of repair obliged

him to march very slowly, and was of but little use when done, for

guerrillas and other bands of Confederates destroyed the road again

as soon as he had passed on. But worst of all, the time thus

consumed gave General Bragg the opportunity to reorganize and

increase his army to such an extent that he was able to contest the

possession of Middle Tennessee and Kentucky. Consequently, the