It was the roar of cannon.

On that day was fought the battle of Blackburn's Ford; and when the regiment reached its halting-place at Centreville, the story of the fight was told by enthusiastic lips.
Massachusetts men had stood firm and resolute before the artillery and musketry of the rebels, and every man who heard the story was proud that he hailed from the Old Bay State, and panted for the time when he might show himself worthy of his origin, and true to the traditions of the past.
The regiment lay in camp the two following days, and the men had an opportunity to recover in some measure from the fatigues of their first severe march.

Visions of glory and victory were beginning to dawn upon them.

They had listened to the cannon of the enemy, and they knew that the rebels were not many miles distant in front of them.

A few days, perhaps a few hours, would elapse before the terrible conflict would commence.