The State Legislature, which was then in session, departed bodily with all the records and archives.
But Dick, after the first hours of triumph, felt relaxed and depressed.
After all, the victory was over their own people, and five thousand of the farmer lads, North and South, had been killed or wounded.

But this feeling did not last long, as on the very evening of victory he was summoned to action.

Action, with him, always made the blood leap and hope rise.

It was his own regimental chief, Arthur Winchester, who called him, and who told him to make ready for an instant departure from Donelson.
"You are to be a cavalryman for a while, Dick," said Colonel Winchester.
"So much has happened recently that we scarcely know how we stand.

Above all, we do not know how the remaining Southern forces are disposed, and I have been chosen to lead a troop toward Nashville and see.