"
Colonel Winchester rejoiced no less than the lads over the sergeant's
escape. All the officers of the regiment liked him, and they had an
infinite respect for his wisdom, particularly when danger was running
high. They were glad for his own sake that he was alive, and they were
glad to have him with them as they retreated into Chattanooga, because
the night still had its perils.
The moon, though clouded, was out as they withdrew slowly. On their
flanks there was still firing, as strong detachments skirmished with
one another, but the Winchester men as yet paid little attention to it.
They said grimly to one another that two days in the infernal regions
were enough for one time. They looked back at the vast battlefield and
the clumps of pines burning now like funeral torches, and shuddered.
The retreat of Thomas was harried incessantly. Longstreet and Forrest
were eager to push the attack that night and the next day and make the
victory complete. They and men of less rank dreamed of a triumph which
should restore the fortunes of the Confederacy to the full, but Bragg was
cautious.
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