The Northern army was practically united the next day, but so great was the exhaustion of the troops that Rosecrans did not deem it wise yet to attack his foe.

He was fully aware of the quality of the Southern soldiers.

He remembered how they had turned suddenly at Perryville and with inferior numbers had fought a draw.

Now on the defensive, and in such a deep and sticky soil, they would have a great advantage and his generals agreed with him in waiting.
Dick spent much of this day in riding with Colonel Winchester along their lines.

There was some talk about Bragg retreating, but the boy, a veteran in everything but years, knew the ominous signs.