So well did Stuart's cavalry perform this service, and so general was the hostility of the population against the North, that throughout the whole of the war in Virginia it was very seldom that the Northern generals could obtain any trustworthy information as to the movements and strength of the Confederates, while the latter were perfectly informed of every detail connected with the intentions of the invaders.
The next morning Ashley's troop took up their share of the work at the front.

They were broken up into parties of ten, each of which was stationed at a village near the river, five men being on duty night and day.

As it happened that none of the other men in his squad had a servant at the front, Vincent was able without difficulty to have Dan assigned to his party.

A house in the village was placed at their disposal, and here the five off duty slept and took their meals while the others were in the saddle.

Dan was quite in his element, and turned out an excellent cook, and was soon a general favorite among the mess..