He told them how the older men were already speaking of the wonders they had done, and presently he saw Thomas himself riding along with the young general, Garfield, who had been with him throughout the afternoon.
All the Winchester men saw their commander, and, worn as they were, they stopped and gave a mighty cheer.

Thomas was moved.

Under the cloudy moon Dick saw him show emotion for the first time.

He took off his hat.
"Gentlemen, comrades," he said, "we have lost the battle of Chickamauga, but if all our regiments fight as you fought to-day the war is won." Another cheer, enthusiastic and spontaneous, burst from the regiment, and Thomas rode on.

Dick had never heard him make another speech so long.
When they reached the little town of Chattanooga within its mountains they began to realize the full grandeur of their exploit.