Jackson nearly always destroyed his dispatches in this manner.
"Very good," he said to the officer, "you can rejoin Colonel Connor." He went back to his seat.

The train puffed, heaved and started again.
Jackson leaned against the back of the seat and closed his eyes.

He seemed to be asleep.

But the desire for sleep was driven from Harry.
The news of the retaking of Front Royal had stirred the whole train.
Officers talked of it in low tones, but with excitement.

The Northern generals were acting with more than their customary promptness.