It was impossible for the officers to prevent it, and they really did not seek to do so, as the men fought just as well when they returned to their works.
June now drew to a close and the great heats of July were at hand.

Dick was convinced that the defense of Vicksburg was drawing to a like close.
They had proof that some of the irregulars in Vicksburg had escaped through the lines and he was convinced that Slade would be among them.
They were the rats and Vicksburg was the sinking ship.
They heard that Johnston had gathered together twenty-five thousand men and was at last marching to the relief of the town.

Dick believed that Grant must have laughed one of his grimmest laughs.

They knew that Johnston's men were worn and half-starved, and had been harassed by other Union troops.

Johnston was skillful, but he would only be a lean and hungry wolf attacking a grizzly bear.