The chief quartermaster saluted. "The trains, sir, had a good night. There are clover fields on either side of the Staunton road and the horses are eating their fill. A few have sore hoof and may have to be left behind. I had the ordnance moved as you ordered, nearer the river. An orderly came back last night from the convoy on the way to Staunton. Sick and wounded standing it well. Prisoners slow marchers, but marching. I sent this morning a string of wagons to Cross Keys, to General Ewell. We had a stampede last night among the negro teamsters. They were sitting in a ring around the fire, and an owl hooted or a bat flitted. They had been telling stories of ha'nts, and they swore they saw General Ashby galloping by on the white stallion." "Poor, simple, ignorant creatures!" said Jackson. "There is no witch of Endor can raise that horse and rider!--Major Hawks!" The chief commissary came forward. "General Banks's stores are holding out well, sir. We are issuing special rations to the men to-day--Sunday dinner--fresh beef, rice and beans, canned fruits, coffee, sugar--" "Good! good! They deserve the best.--Colonel Crutchfield--" "I have posted Wooding's battery as you ordered, sir, on the brow of the hill commanding the bridge. There's a gun of Courtney's disabled. I have thought he might have the Parrott we captured day before yesterday. Ammunition has been issued as ordered. Caissons all filled." "Good!--Captain Boswell--Ah, Mr. Hotchkiss." "Captain Boswell is examining the South Fork, sir, with a view to finding the best place for the foot bridge you ordered constructed. I have here the map you ordered me to draw." "Good! Put it here on the table.--Now, Doctor McGuire." "Very few reported sick this morning, sir. The good women of the village are caring for those. Three cases of fever, two of pneumonia, some dysentery, measles among the recruits. The medicines we got at Winchester are invaluable; they and the better fare the men are getting. Best of all is the consciousness of victory,--the confidence and exaltation that all feel." "Yes, doctor. God's shield is over us.--Captain Wilbourne--" "I brought the signal party in from Peaked Mountain last night, sir. A Yankee cavalry company threatened to cut us off. Had we stayed we should have been captured. I trust, sir, that I acted rightly?" "You acted rightly. You saw nothing of General Shields?" "Nothing, sir. It is true that the woods for miles are extremely thick. It would perhaps be possible for a small force to move unseen. But we made out nothing." Jackson rose and drew closer the sabre and the Bible. "That is all, gentlemen. After religious services you will return to your respective duties."