It had few wagons for food and ammunition, and some of the regiments from the northwest, cherishing the delusion that winter in Tennessee was not cold, were not provided with warm clothing and sufficient blankets.
But Warner abated his confidence not one jot.
"The chance of our moving against Donelson is one hundred per cent," he said.

"I passed the General today and his lips were shut tight together, which means a resolve to do at all costs what one has intended to do.

I still admit that the prophets and the sons of prophets live no more, but I predict with absolute certainty that we will move in the morning." The Vermonter's faith was justified.

The army, being put in thorough trim, started at dawn upon its momentous march.

Wintry fogs were rising from the great river and the submerged lowlands, and the air was full of raw, penetrating chill.