I was once ordered to support with my command a movement to be made by another.

It was an important juncture in a campaign.

Wondering at delay, I rode forward and found the general officer I was to support.

I told him I was ordered to support him in doing what we both saw was needing to be done; but he had no explicit orders to begin the movement.

I said that my orders to support him were sufficient to authorize his action, and it was plain that it would be unfortunate if the thing were not done at once.