He was an old, decrepit man, paralyzed not only in body, but in mind; and it was upon this noble relic of the past that the organization of the forces of the Republic depended.

His chief commissary, General Taylor, was in some degree a counterpart of Scott.

It was our business to arrange with these, and others scarcely less fit, for the opening of communications and for the transportation of men and supplies.

They were seemingly one and all martinets who had passed the age of usefulness.

Days would elapse before a decision could be obtained upon matters which required prompt action.