The general moved his seat up to a camp-bed, on which he spread the map. I was standing; he made me take a seat near him. "First, I will show you generally what I want you to do; how you are to do it, you must decide for yourself. Here," said he, putting the point of his pencil on the map, "here is where we are now. Up here is Hanover Junction, with Hanover Court-House several miles this side--about this spot. You are to get to both places and find out if the enemy is at either, or both, and in what force. If he is not at either place, you are to move along the railroad in the direction of Richmond, until you find the enemy." "Are there not two railroads at Hanover Junction, General?" "Yes, the Virginia Central and the Richmond and Fredericksburg; they cross at the Junction." "Which railroad shall I follow?" "Ah, I see you are careful. It will be well for you to learn something of the situation on both of them; but take the Central if you are compelled to choose--the one nearest to us." "Well, sir." "If no enemy is found within eight or ten miles of the Junction, you need not trouble yourself further; but if he is found in say less than eight miles of the Junction, you are to diligently get all the knowledge you can of his position, his force in all arms, and, if possible, his purposes." "I suppose that by the enemy you mean some considerable body, not a mere scouting party." "Yes, of course. Hunt for big game. Don't bother with raiders or foragers." "The Junction seems to be on the other side of the Pamunkey River," said I. "Yes; it is between the North Anna and the South Anna, which form the Pamunkey a few miles below the Junction." "Then, supposing that I find the rebels in force at Hanover Court-House, would there be any need for me to go on to the Junction?" "None at all," said the general; "you would only be losing time; in case you find the enemy in force anywhere, you must return and inform us just as soon as you can ascertain his strength. But if you find no enemy at Hanover Court-House, or near it, or even if you find a small force, such as a party of cavalry, you should try to get to the Junction." "Very well, General; how long do you expect me to be gone?" "I can give you four days at the outside." "Counting to-night?" "No; beginning to-morrow. I shall expect you by the morning of the 27th, and shall hope to see you earlier." "I shall not wish to be delayed," said I. "You shall have horses; relays if you wish," said he. "In returning shall I report to any officer I first chance to meet?" I asked. "No; not unless you know the enemy to be particularly active; in that case, use your judgment; of course you would not let any force of ours run the risk of being surprised, but, all things equal, better reserve your report for me." "And shall I find you here, sir?" "If I am not here, you may report to General Butterfield; if this command moves, I will leave orders for you."