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Altsheler, Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander), 1862-1919

"A Story of Lee's Great Stand"

Why the
Wilderness is so full of dead men that they must walk at night to give
one another room. I only hope that the ghost of Old Jack will ride
before us and show us the way."
"I almost feel like that, too," admitted Dalton, who, however, was of a
less imaginative mind than Harry. "As sure as I'm sitting in the saddle
we're bound for the Wilderness. Now, what is the day going to give us?"
"Marching mostly, I think, and with the next noon will come battle.
Grant doesn't hesitate and hold back. We know that, George."
"No, it's not his character."
Morning came and found them still in the forests, seeking the deep
thickets of the Wilderness, and Grant, warned by his scouts and spies,
and most earnestly by one whose skill, daring and judgment were unequaled,
turned from his chosen line of march to meet his enemy. Once more Lee
had selected the field of battle, where his inferiority in numbers would
not count so much against him.
It was nearly morning when the march ceased, and officers and troops,
save those on guard, lay down in the forest for rest. Harry, a seasoned
veteran, could sleep under any conditions and with a blanket over him and
a saddle for a pillow closed his eyes almost immediately.


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