Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/91

NEWS FOR ROSECRANS northward, but, perhaps a quarter of a mile beyond the ford, I came upon a branch heading in the direction I desired to go, and, spurring my mount into a swifter stride. turned into it. The sun was reddening the sky by this time. our surroundings becoming plainly visible. The country traversed was rough, the road running along a break in the broken lands bordering the valley, with bits of thick wood on either hand, and numerous outcropping rocks. It would have been difficult of passage in the darkness, but now in daylight it offered littIe obstruction, the surroundings of the track leaving us comparatively safe from observation. Two hours later. still urging the tired steed remorselessly forward, I arrived at a cross-roads, and a Federal picket.

So sudden was the unexpected encounter that I barely halted within range of his gun, the startled fellow so convinced the enemy was upon him I expected a shot before I could begin explanations. He was a soldier of the Forty-second Illinois, Sheridan's Division: and, after ﬁve minutes of controversy, the boyish-looking corporal, who came running forward at the sentry's ﬁrst call, consented to escort me in person to his regimental headquarters. From the Colonel's tent I was very promptly passed beyond to where Sheridan was taking breakfast on the rude porch of a log house, several of his staff clustered about him. Here I passed through some minutes of rapid questioning, and was ﬁnally despatched westward, astride a fresh horse, and accompanied by an aide. It was slightly after eight o'clock when we arrived in the presence of Rosecrans. For a moment the General scanned [ 83 ]