his quiet and ordered existence. It was omitted only
when he fought in the morning. He sat as usual, bolt upright, large feet
squarely planted, large hands stiff at sides. On the table before him
were his sabre and Bible. Before him stood a group of officers. The
adjutant, Colonel Paxton, finished his report. The general nodded.
"Good! good! Well, Major Harman?"

The chief quartermaster saluted. "The trains, sir, had a good night.
There are clover fields on either side of the Staunton road and the
horses are eating their fill. A few have sore hoof and may have to be
left behind. I had the ordnance moved as you ordered, nearer the river.
An orderly came back last night from the convoy on the way to Staunton.
Sick and wounded standing it well. Prisoners slow marchers, but
marching. I sent this morning a string of wagons to Cross Keys, to
General Ewell. We had a stampede last night among the negro teamsters.
They were sitting in a ring around the fire, and an owl hooted or a bat
flitted. They had been telling stories of ha'nts, and they swore they
saw General Ashby galloping by on the white stallion."

"Poor, simple, ignorant creatures!" said Jackson. "There is no witch of
Endor can raise that horse and rider!--Major Hawks!"

The chief commissary came forward. "General Banks's stores are holding
out well, sir. We are issuing special rations to the men to-day--Sunday
dinner--fresh beef, rice and beans, canned fruits, coffee, sugar--"

"Good! good! They deserve the best.--Colonel Crutchfield--"

"I have posted Wooding's battery as you ordered, sir, on the brow of the
hill commanding the bridge. There's a gun of Courtney's disabled. I have
thought he might have the Parrott we captured day before yesterday.
Ammunition has been issued as ordered. Caissons all filled."

"Good!--Captain Boswell--Ah, Mr. Hotchkiss."

"Captain Boswell is examining the South Fork, sir, with a view to
finding the best place for the foot bridge you ordered constructed. I
have here the map you ordered me to draw."

"Good! Put it here on the table.--Now, Doctor McGuire."

"Very few reported sick this morning, sir. The good women of the village
are caring for those. Three cases of fever, two of pneumonia, some
dysentery, measles among the recruits. The medicines we got at
Winchester are invaluable; they and the better fare the men are getting.
Best of all is the consciousness of victory,--the confidence and
exaltation that all feel."

"Yes, do