But he had achieved the task on which he had been sent, and he was thanked by his commander.
Dick, as he went on many errands or walked about in the course of his leisure hours with his friends, watched with interest the growth of a great army.

There were more men here upon the banks of the Tennessee than he had seen at Bull Run.

They were gathered full forty thousand strong, and General Buell's army also, he learned, had been put under command of General Grant and was advancing from Nashville to join him.
Dick also observed with extreme interest the ground upon which they were encamped and the country surrounding it.

There was the deep Tennessee, still swollen by spring rains, upon the left bank of which they lay, with the stream protecting one flank.

In the river were some of the gunboats which had been of such value to Grant.