-I
have studied over the military situation so much.'

'''No, General, you need not have any fears of that. You are as vigorous
in that respect as any man living. I cannot, however, explain this; nor
can I understand it. I will ask you, however, if you had this character
of campaign in your mind before you saw this strange apparition?'

'"Yes, I had a thought of it; but somehow this seemed to influence me
not to deviate in the least, and to give me faith and confidence in our
final success; and yet I cannot but believe this to be only an optical
illusion. It must be; it cannot, it seems to me, be otherwise.'

"'There is one thing, General: it appears to be leading you, or, at
least, helping your faith, in the right direction.'

"'Yes; but, Gen. Anderson, it harasses me by day and by night. I cannot
keep it from my mind. I try to throw it off, but cannot. But we will
speak of this no more at present. I feel that my mind is greatly
relieved since I have given you my secret. What a strange feeling this
is; but I believe it is so with every person.'

"'Yes, General, that is true. Things pent up in the mind and heart
become oppressive, and wear the mind until relieved. This seems to be
our safety-valve.'

"The conversation here ceased on this subject, and both retired to rest.
The next morning Gen. Anderson and his companion, Lieut. Whitcomb, left
very early for Gen. Or-den's headquarters. As they were leaving Gen.
Silent came out and spoke many kind words to Gen. Anderson. He said:

"'I feel much better this morning. I will be at the front to-day, and
will see you, perhaps.9

"With a good-by they separated. When Gen. Anderson arrived at Gen.
Orden's headquarters he was ready to move his command to the left. He
had been telegraphed by Silent of Anderson's assignment, so the orders
were ready, and Gen. Anderson at once took command of a splendid
division, getting acquainted as best he could on the march that day. His
command was in the lead. Late in the afternoon he met Gen. Sherlin, who
was overjoyed to see him, saying:

"'Anderson, you have no time to learn the situation, but I want you to
be close to me. I will speak to Orden.'

"Their lines were formed that evening and all was in readiness for
action. On the afternoon of the 29th the Union line was continuous from
Appomattox, and still moving to the left. Silent said:

"'I feel now like ending the matter, if it is possible, before going
back.'

"The army of