"
They arrived after dark in Sherman's camp and he received them himself.
Dick remembered how he had seen this thin, dry man holding fast with his
command at Shiloh, and he saluted him with the deepest respect. He knew
that here was a bold and tenacious spirit, kin to that of Grant. Sherman
had heard already of the battle, but he wished more and definite news.
"You say that our victory was complete?" he asked tersely.
"It was, sir," replied Dick. "The entire force of the enemy retired
rapidly toward Jackson, and our men are eager to advance on that city."
"It would be a great stroke to take the capital of Mississippi," said
Sherman musingly. Then he added in his crisp manner:
"Are you tired?"
"Not if you wish me to do anything," replied Dick quickly.
Sherman smiled.
"The right spirit," he said. "I wish you and your comrade to ride at
once with this news to General Grant. He may hear it from other sources,
but I want to send a letter by you."
In ten minutes Dick and the sergeant were riding proudly away on another
mission, and, passing through all the dangers of Southern scouts and
skirmishers, they reached General Grant, to whom they delivered the
letter from Sherman.
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