As they marched they spoke confidently of victory.

One regiment took up a song which had appeared in print just after the fall of Sumter: "Men of the North and West, Wake in your might.
Prepare as the rebels have done For the fight.
You cannot shrink from the test; Rise! Men of the North and West." Another regiment took up the song, and soon many thousands were singing it; those who did not know the words following the others.

Dick felt his heart beat and his courage mount high, as he sang with Warner and Pennington the last verse: "Not with words; they laugh them to scorn, And tears they despise.
But with swords in your hands And death in your eyes! Strike home! Leave to God all the rest; Strike! Men of the North and West!" The song sung by so many men rolled off across the fields, and the woods and the hills gave back the echo.
"We will strike home!" exclaimed Dick, putting great emphasis on the "will." "Our time for victory is at hand." "The other side may think they're striking home; too," said Warner, speaking according to the directness of his dry mathematical mind.

"Then I suppose it will be a case of victory for the one that strikes the harder for home." "That's a fine old mind of yours.

Don't you ever feel any enthusiasm ?" "I do, when the figures warrant it.