Noticing this, I quietly walked aside among the bushes, and when out of sight hurried a little in advance and waited at the roadside for the column.

I beckoned the officer to me, and said to him, "Colonel, I thought you looked as if you did not fully understand the general's wishes." He replied that he did not, but was unwilling to question him as it seemed to irritate him.

I said that was a wrong principle to act on, as a commanding officer has the greatest possible interest in being clearly understood.

I then explained at large what I knew to be Rosecrans's purposes.

The officer thanked me cordially and rode away.