When their work was over they simply dropped where they stood and slumbered soundly until morning.
The day opened with a mixture of rain, snow, and fiercely cold winds.
Grant's army moved out of its camp to make the attack, but it was hampered by the terrible weather and the vast swamp through which its course must lead.

Colonel Winchester, who knew the country better than any other high officer, was sent ahead on horseback with a small detachment to examine the way.

He naturally took Dick and Pennington, who were on his staff, and by request, Colonel Newcomb, Major Hertford, Warner and Sergeant Whitley went also.

The whole party numbered about a hundred men.
Dick and the other lads rejoiced over their mission.

It was better to ride ahead than to remain with an army that was pulling itself along slowly through the mud.