Of course they are superior in number to us, as they always are; but as we have always beat them well on level ground I do not think their chances of getting up these heights are by any means hopeful.

Then, too, their change of commanders is against them.
McClellan fought a drawn battle against us at Antietam and showed himself a really able general in the operations in front of Richmond.
The army have confidence in him, and he is by far the best man they have got so far, but the fools at Washington have now for the second time displaced him because they are jealous of him.

Burnside has shown himself a good man in minor commands, but I don't think he is equal to command such a vast army as this; and besides, we know from our friends at Washington that he has protested against this advance across the river, but has been overruled.

You will see Fredericksburg will add another to the long list of our victories." Vincent shared a tent with another officer of the same rank in General Stuart's staff.

They sat chatting till late, and it was still dark when they were suddenly aroused by an outbreak of musketry down at the river.
"The general was right," Captain Longmore, Vincent's companion exclaimed.