columns. Dick was with the troops passing to the right, and he observed
again their springy and eager tread.

Nor was the night without a lively note. Skirmishers, eager riflemen
prowling among the bushes, fired often at one another, and now and then
a Union cannon sent a shell screaming into some thick clump of forest,
lest a foe be lurking there for ambush.

The reports of the rifles and cannon kept every one alert and watchful.
Early in the night while it was yet clear Dick often saw the flashes
from the firing, but, as the morning hours approached, heavy mists began
to rise from that region of damp earth and great waters. He shivered
more than once, and on the advice of Sergeant Whitley wrapped his
cavalry cloak about him.

"Chills and fever," said the sergeant sententiously. "So much water and
marsh it's hard to escape it. The sooner we fight the better."

"Well, that's what General Grant thinks already," said Dick; "so I
suppose he doesn't need chills and fever to drive him on. All the same,
Sergeant, I'll wrap up as you say."

All the men in the Winchester regiment were soon doing the same. The
mists of the Mississippi, the Big Black and the bayous were raw and
cold, although it would be hot later on. But the period of coldness did
not last long. Soon the low sun showed in the east and the warm daylight
came. In the new light they saw the Confederate forces strongly posted
on the ridge where the halves of the road rejoined. As the Union column
came into view a cannon boomed and a shell burst in the road so near
that dirt was thrown upon them as it exploded and one man was wounded.
At the same time the column on the left under Osterhaus appeared, having
performed its semicircle about the marsh, and the whole Union army,
weary of body but eager of soul, pressed forward. The Winchester
regiment and the Ohio regiment beside it charged hotly, but were
received with a fire of great volume and accuracy that swept them from
the road. Another battery on their far left also raked them with a cross
fire, and so terrible was their reception that they were compelled to
abandon some of their own cannon and seek shelter.

The Winchester regiment, except the officers, were not mounted in this
march, as Grant would not wait for their horses, which were on another
transport. The very fact saved from death many who would have made a
more shining target. Dick's own horse was killed at the first fire,
and as he leaped clear to