Old-fashioned they might be in some ways, but they were able military men, thoroughly alert, and he knew that he could learn much from them.

When he left them he returned to General Jackson and a few more days of waiting followed.
Winter was now wholly gone and spring, treacherous at first, was becoming real and reliable.

Reports heavy and ominous were coming from McClellan.

He would disembark and march up the peninsula on Richmond with a vast and irresistible force.

Jackson might be drawn off from the valley to help Johnston in the defense of the capital.