The night was dark, overcast with clouds, and in an hour Colonel Winchester with his four departed upon his perilous mission.

He was to secure information in regard to the Southern army, and to do that they were to go very near the Southern lines, if not actually inside them.

Such an attempt would be hazardous in the extreme in the face of a vigilant watch; but on the other hand they would be aided by the fact that both North and South were of like blood and language.

Even more, many of those in the opposing camps came from the same localities, and often were of kin.
Dick's regiment had been stationed at the southern end of the line, near the little town of Dover, but they now advanced northward and westward, marching for a long time along their inner line.

It was Colonel Winchester's intention to reach Hickman Creek, which formed their northern barrier, creep in the fringe of bushes on its banks, and then approach the fort.
When they reached the desired point the night was well advanced, and yet dark with the somber clouds hanging over river and fort and field of battle.