"I only came up with Jackson's division from Harper's Ferry the evening before." "I need not have questioned you," McClellan said.

"I know that Lee's whole army, 100,000 strong, opposed me yesterday." Vincent was silent.

He was glad to see that the Federal general, as usual, enormously overrated the strength of the force opposed to him.
"I hear that the whole of the garrison of Harper's Ferry were released on parole not to serve again during the war.

If you are ready to give me your promise to the same effect I will allow you to return to your friends; if not you must remain a prisoner until you are regularly exchanged." "I must do so, then, general," Vincent said quietly.

"I could not remain home and remain inactive while every man in the South is fighting for the defense of his country, so I will take my chance of being exchanged." "I am sorry you choose that alternative," McClellan said.