The Winchester regiment itself was often fired upon from ambush, and there were vacant places in the ranks.
Dick did not know whether it was his own intuition or the influence that flowed from the opinions of Thomas and Winchester, but much of his high exultation was abated.

He regarded the lofty ridges and the deep gaps with apprehension.

It was a difficult country and the Southern leaders must know that the Northern army was extended over a long line, with Thomas holding the left.
His premonitions had ample cause.

Bragg as he fell back slowly had gathered new forces.

Rosecrans did not yet know it, but the army before him was the most powerful that the South ever assembled in the West.
Polk and Cleburne and Breckinridge and Forrest and Fighting Joe Wheeler and a whole long roll of famous Southern generals were there.