Dick thought it must come from his trade.
"I don't want to intrude, Mr.Mason," said Shepard, "but I saw you sitting here, looking perhaps too grave and thoughtful for one of your years." "You're most welcome, Mr.Shepard, and I was thinking, that is in a vague sort of way." "I saw your face and you were wondering what was to become of Virginia and the Virginians." "So I was, but how did you know it ?" "I didn't know it.

It was just a guess, and the guess was due to the fact that I was having the same thoughts myself." "So you regard the war as won ?" asked Dick, who had a great respect for Shepard's opinion.
"If the President keeps General Grant in command, as he will, it's a certainty, but it will take a long time yet.

We can't force those trenches down there.

Remember what Cold Harbor cost us." Dick shuddered.
"I remember it," he said.
"It would be worse if we tried to storm Lee's lines.

After Cold Harbor the general won't attempt it, and I see a long wait here.