ded to attack
a little town called Port Gibson, which commanded the various approaches
to Grand Gulf. If he could take that he might shut up Bowen and his
force in Grand Gulf. On the other hand, if he failed he might be shut
in himself by Confederate armies gathering from Jackson, Vicksburg, and
elsewhere. The region, moreover, was complicated for both armies by the
mighty Mississippi and the Big Black River, itself a large stream, and
there were deep and often unfordable bayous.

But Grant showed great qualities, and Dick, who was experienced enough
now to see and know, admired him more than ever. He pushed forward with
the utmost resolution and courage. His vanguard, led by McClernand, and
including the Winchester regiment, seized solid ground near Port Gibson,
but found themselves confronted by a formidable Southern force. Bowen,
who commanded in Grand Gulf, was brave and able. Seeing the Union army
marching toward his rear, and knowing that if Grant took it he would be
surrounded, both on land and water, by a force outnumbering his nearly
three to one, he marched out at once and took station two miles in front
of Port Gibson.

Dick was by the side of Colonel Winchester as he rode forward. The faint
echo of shots from the skirmishers far in front showed that they had
roused up an enemy. Glasses were put in use at once.

"The Confederates are before us," said Colonel Winchester.

"So they are, and we're going to have hard fighting," said a major.
"Look what a position!"

Dick said nothing, but he was using his glasses, too. He saw before him
rough ground, thickly sown with underbrush. There was also a deep ravine
or rather marsh choked with vines, bushes, reeds, and trees that like a
watery soil. The narrow road divided and went around either end of the
long work, where the two divisions united again on a ridge, on which
Bowen had placed his fine troops and artillery.

"I don't see their men yet, except a few skirmishers," said Dick.

"No, but we'll find them in some good place beyond it," replied Colonel
Winchester, divining Bowen's plan.

It was night when the army in two divisions, one turning to the right
and the other to the left, began the circuit of the great marshy ravine.
Dick noticed that the troops who had struggled so long in mud and water
were eager. Here, west of the Alleghanies, the men in blue were always
expecting to win.

The sky was sown with stars, casting a filmy light over the marching