I should say that we number at least fifty thousand men, or about twice the rebels." "Then why don't we march against 'em at once ?" The sergeant shrugged his shoulders.

It was not for him to tell why generals did not do things.
"I think," he said, "that we're likely to stay here a day or two." "Which means," said Dick, his alert mind interpreting at once, "that our generals don't know what to do.

Why is it that they always seem paralyzed when they get in front of Stonewall Jackson?
He's only a man like the rest of them!" He spoke with perfect freedom in the presence of Sergeant Whitley, knowing that he would repeat nothing.
"A man, yes," said Warner, in his precise manner, "but not exactly like the others.

He seems to have more of the lightning flash about him.

What a pity such a leader should be on the wrong side! Perhaps we'll have his equal in time." "Is Jackson's army just sitting still ?" asked Dick.
"So far as scouts can gather, an' I've been one of them," replied Sergeant Whitley, "it seems to be just campin'.