.

TAKING A FORT.
Dick was with Colonel Winchester when he was admitted to the presence of the general who had already done much to strengthen the Union cause in the west, and he found him the plainest and simplest of men, under forty, short in stature, and careless in attire.

He thanked Colonel Winchester for the reinforcement that he had brought him, and then turned with some curiosity to Dick.
"So you were at the battle of Mill Spring," he said.

"It was hot, was it not ?" "Hot enough for me," replied Dick frankly.
Grant laughed.
"They caught a Tartar in George Thomas," he said, "and I fancy that others who try to catch him will be glad enough to let him go." "He is a great man, sir," said Dick with conviction.
Then Grant asked him more questions about the troops and the situation in Eastern Kentucky, and Dick noticed that all were sharp and penetrating.
"Your former immediate commander, Major Hertford, and some of his men are due here today," said Grant.

"General Thomas, knowing that his own campaign was over, sent them north to Cincinnati and they have come down the river to Cairo.