Before sunset the Southern army retreated toward Jackson, leaving the field to the men in blue.
Dick dismounted and, examining himself carefully, found that he had suffered no wound.

Colonel Hertford and the sergeant had also taken no hurt.

But the lad and his elder comrade secured but little rest.

They were bidden to ride across the country at once to General Sherman with the news of the victory.

Sherman was at the head of another column, and Grant was farther away with the main body.
Dick and the sergeant, with the battle smoke still in their eyes, were eager for the service.
"When you're with Grant you don't stay idle, that's certain," said Dick as they rode across the darkening fields.
"No, you don't," said the sergeant, "and I'm thinking that we've just begun.