A lad of his spirit would go in search of Forrest, and we cannot forget our experience with that general in Tennessee.

Now, boys, we'll make ready for the night, which is not far away." The house was built for a Southern climate, although Dick had learned that it could be cold enough in Central Mississippi in midwinter.

But it was spring now and they opened all the doors and windows, letting the pleasant air rush through the musty house.
"It may rain," said Colonel Winchester, "and the officers will sleep inside.

The men will spread their blankets on the piazzas, and the horses will be tethered in the grounds.

I hate to see the flowers and grass trodden down, but nature will restore them." Some of the soldiers gathered wood from heaps nearby and fires were kindled in the kitchen, and also on the hearths in the slave quarters.
Colonel Winchester had been truly called the father of his regiment.
He was invariably particular about its health and comfort, and, as he always led it in person in battle, there was no finer body of men in the Union service.
Now he meant for his men to have coffee, and warm food after this long and trying ride and soon savory odors arose, although the cooking was not begun until after dark, lest the smoke carry a signal to a lurking enemy.