Jackson turned to a shelf of the library on which lay pen, ink and paper, and standing before it rapidly wrote several notes.

It was his favorite attitude--habit of his West Point days--to write or read standing.
It took him less than five minutes to write the notes, and he handed them to Harry to deliver without delay to the brigade commanders.

His tones were incisive and charged with energy.

Harry felt the electric thrill pass to himself, and with a quick salute he was once more out in the rain.
Some of the brigadiers were asleep, and grumbled when Harry awoke them, but the orders soon sent the last remnants of sleep flying.

The boy did not linger, but returned quickly to the manse, where General Jackson met him at the door.