The commander-in-chief was reading a
dispatch, while the fierce struggle in the thickets was going on, but
when Harry saluted and Marshall told him that he had come to report the
general put away the dispatch and said:
"What news from General Ewell?"
"General Ewell was at first borne back by the enemy's numbers, but when
help came he returned to the charge, and has been victorious. He has
gained much ground."
A gleam of triumph shot from Lee's eyes, usually so calm.
"Well done, Ewell!" he said. "The loss of a leg has not dimmed his ardor
or judgment. I truly believe that if he were to lose the other one also
he would still have himself strapped into the saddle and lead his men to
victory. We thank you for the news you have brought, Lieutenant Kenton."
He put his glasses to his eyes and Harry and Dalton as usual withdrew to
the rear of the staff. But they used their glasses also, bringing nearer
to them the different phases of the battle, which now raged through
the Wilderness. They saw at some points the continuous blaze of guns,
and the acrid powder smoke, lying low, was floating through all the
thickets.
But Harry now knew that the combat, however violent and fierce, was only
a prelude.
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