He missed Warner and Pennington, but he and the sergeant were happy.

Beyond a doubt now Grant was going to strike hard, and all the men were full of anticipation and hope.

His force in different divisions was advancing on Jackson, leaving Vicksburg behind him and the Southern army under Pemberton on one side.
Dick heard, too, that the redoubtable Joe Johnston was coming to take command of the Southern garrison in Jackson, and a leader less bold than Grant might have shrunk from such a circle of enemies, but Grant's own courage increased the spirit of his men, and they were full of faith.
"I expect they're alarmed in Washington," said the sergeant, as they sat on their blankets.

"There ain't any telegraph station nearer than Memphis.

They've heard in the capital that the general has begun to move toward Jackson, but they won't know for days what will happen." "I don't blame the President for being disturbed," said Dick.