They hesitated; but as Colonel Brent was reported to be advancing at the head of a thousand men, Bacon ordered the drums beat, mustered his men, and they set out toward the Rappahanock in high spirits.
On that afternoon Bacon was occasionally irritable; at other times he became hilarious, and at others stupid.

Robert, who rode at his side, saw that he was burning with fever, and he was glad that night when they camped.
"Spread a tent for the general, for he is sick," said Robert.

The men could not realize how sick he was.

Camp fires blazed.

Brent was but a few miles away, and his forces were deserting him by scores and coming over to Bacon, who was not thought to be dangerously ill.