I could never betray the trust that General Thomas has put in me.

My dispatches not only tell of the gathering of our own troops, but they contain invaluable information concerning the Confederate concentration which General Thomas learned from his scouts and spies.

Mother, I think a great battle is coming here in the west." She shuddered, but she did not seek again to delay him in his duty.
"I am proud," she said, "that you have won the confidence of your general, and that you ride upon such an important errand.

I should have been glad if you had stayed at home, Dick, but since you have chosen to be a soldier, I am rejoiced that you have risen in the esteem of your officers.

Write to me as often as you can.