It was the early stage of the war when generals behaved with great independence, and Nelson, a rough, stubborn man, after reading the order marched on faster than ever.

It seemed afterward that the very stars were for Grant, when one order was lost, and another disobeyed.
But Dick was not to know of these things until later.

He delivered in person his dispatch to General Buell, who remembered him and gave him a friendly nod, but who was as chary of speech as ever.

He wrote a brief reply to the dispatch and gave it sealed to Dick.
"The letter I hand you," he said, "merely notifies General Grant that I have received his orders and will hurry forward as much as possible.
If on your return journey you should deem yourself in danger of falling into the hands of the enemy destroy it at once." Dick promised to do so, saluted, and retired.

He spent only two hours in General Buell's camp, securing some fresh provisions to carry in his saddle bags and allowing his horse a little rest.