“The {045}men want a brush, I think, from what they say. They're becoming tired of waiting.” [Illustration: 0053] “And so does the country; but they don't know how much easier it is to talk war than to be in it. What does the man who stays at home know about the dangers and trials of a soldier's life? How is he capable of judging whether it is time to fight or where it is best to strike, or how many odds a general of an army has against him? We'll have war enough before long--they needn't fear.” {046} [Illustration: 0054] “Well, {047}I suppose we'll some of us be in it soon, and who knows how many of us will come out?” [Illustration: 0055] “Why, boy, you're not showing the white feather, I hope!' and Bill peered anxiously into the lad's troubled face. “No, {048}sir, I am not, but I can't help thinking of my poor mother, and, besides, you know I am going to fight her people. My mother is a Virginian.” “Is that so? I know, then, she must feel bad have you in our army. I can't blame her, nuther. “But she's loyal to our flag, Bill,” the boy hastened to add. “It would break her heart, though, if anything should happen to me.” “Cheer up! You'll get through all right. I can feel it in my bones.” Ralph laughed. “Why, of course I shall. It seems to me this war won't be a very long one.” “Perhaps not--you can't tell. But McClellan taught the Johnnies a lesson at the 'races' the other day.” “The 'races?'” Ralph's eyes opened wide. “Yes, the 'Philippi races,'” Bill went on. “The Confeds ran so fast from our boys at that battle that they dubbed their retreat the 'Philippi races,' in honor of the speed they showed. He has been made a general, and given the Ohio troops to command. He crossed the Ohio with four regiments and banged after the enemy. He found it hard work, for they say Colonel Porterfield burned all the bridges. He wasn't long in putting them in order, though, and getting over some big reinforcements. He routed them at Philippi and at Rich Mountain. Government ought to remember him, I tell you.” And it did, for “Little Mac,” as he was called, was made commander-in-chief of the Army of the Potomac. {049} {050} CHAPTER III. RALPH'S FIRST BATTLE. [Illustration: 9057] T Washington all sorts of rumors were plenty. It was generally known, however, that General Beauregard was making for Bull Run, where the stream presented a natural barrier. General McDowell left Washington with a force, whose accompaniments of civilians, following the marching columns on foot, reporters, congressmen and idle sight-seers in carriages, was a motley and curious sight. Everyone declared this to be the battle which was to close out the rebellion, and all were jubilant at the prospect. On the army pressed under the brave McDowell, who was planning to execute a flank movement upon the Confederates' left. A two hours' engagement routed the Rebels, who fled before the Union charge.