SHERIDAN'S ATTACK More days passed and the army of Sheridan lay waiting at the head of the valley, apparently without any aim in view.

But Dick knew that if Little Phil delayed it was with good cause.

As Colonel Winchester was high in the general's confidence Dick saw the commander every day.

He soon learned that he was of an intensely energetic and active nature, and that he must put a powerful rein upon himself to hold back, when he had such a fine army to lead.
Many of the younger officers expressed impatience and Dick saw by the newspapers that the North too was chafing at the delay.

Newspapers from the great cities, New York, Philadelphia and Boston, reached their camp and they always read them eagerly.