ard the rebels in the
South, who take their lives and put them in chance for what they believe
to be right. Wrong as they are, they are better men than those who are
behind us trying to discourage us, and to encourage the rebels, without
the nerve to fight on either side.'

"'Yes,' said Anderson; 'I fully agree with you. Allow me to ask at about
what time will our Spring campaign begin?'

"'At the very first moment that we can move on the roads in safety. I am
now sending Sherwood with what troops are within his call from Victor's
Hill east to Meredith, breaking railroads, destroying bridges, etc., so
that when we commence our movements in the Spring, Biggs will have no
line save the one due south or east. We will then force him into the
extreme South or cause him to make a junction with the army in the East,
under Laws, where our Army of the West and Center must pursue him. The
destruction of the two great rebel armies must be our task. This done,
the rebellion will be at an end. This must be accomplished within the
next fourteen months; sooner if we can, but within that time we must
succeed, if at all, and I have no doubt whatever of a final triumph. The
Almighty is only permitting the continuation of this struggle in order
that the people shall become thoroughly satisfied with the destruction
of slavery. Whenever that time comes He will give our enemies over into
our hands.'

"'Gen. Silent, your faith is certainly very strong.'

"'Yes; I am now thoroughly convinced in my own mind that within the time
mentioned our enemies will be at our feet. I am going East, where I am
ordered by the President for some purpose. I intend to lay my whole
plan before him and urge its adoption, believing that if followed the
rebellion will end as I have stated. Would you like to go East, Gen.
Anderson, if I should wish you to do so?'

"'I would certainly not disobey your orders, Gen. Silent, but I have
a good command, and one with which I am well acquainted, and perhaps I
would be of more service by remaining with it than by taking a new one.
I did have a great desire to be ordered East when I was sent here, but
the reasons for that desire do not now exist.'

"Gen. Anderson then, in confidence, related to Gen. Silent what had
transpired at McGregor's headquarters the evening after the battle at
Antler's Run, which astonished Gen. Silent. He sat for some time without
making any remark. Finally he asked if the President and the Secr