The mighty and terrible nature of the war was borne in upon him more fully than ever.
But optimism was supreme among the soldiers.

They had achieved the great victory of Donelson in the face of odds that had seemed impossible.

They could defeat all the Southern forces that lay between them and the Gulf.
The generals shared their confidence.

They did not fortify their camp.
They had not come that far South to fight defensive battles.

It was their place to attack and that of the men in gray to defend.