In the west the Union troops had felt the strong hand over them, and confidence had flowed into them, but here they were in doubt.

They felt that the powerful and directing mind was absent.
Silence fell upon them all for a little space, while the four gazed intently into the south, strange fears assailing everyone.

Dick never doubted that the Union would win.

He never doubted it then and he never doubted it afterward, through all the vast hecatomb when the flag of the Union fell more than once in terrible defeat.
But their ignorance was mystifying and oppressive.

They saw before them the beautiful country, the hills and valleys, the forest and the blue loom of the mountains, so much that appealed to the eye, and yet the horizon, looking so peaceful in the distance, was barbed with spears.
Jackson was there! The sergeant's theory had become conviction with them.