On the 6th of January, however, they arrived within seven miles of Paintville.

Here while Garfield was trying to catch a few hours' sleep, in a wretched log hut, he was roused by Jordan, the scout, who had just managed to reach the camp.
"Have you seen Craven ?" asked Garfield eagerly.
"Yes; he can't be more'n two days behind me, nohow." "God bless you, Jordan! You have done us great service," said Garfield, warmly, feeling deeply relieved by this important news.
"Thank ye, colonel.

That's more pay 'n I expected." In the morning another horseman rode up to the Union camp.

He was a messenger direct from Gen.Buell.He brought with him an intercepted letter from Marshall to his wife, revealing the important fact that the Confederate general had five thousand men--forty-four hundred infantry and six hundred cavalry--with twelve pieces of artillery, and that he was daily expecting an attack from a Union force of ten thousand.
It was clear that Brown had been true, and that it was from him Gen.
Marshall had received this trustworthy intelligence of the strength of the Union army.
Garfield decided not to communicate the contents of this letter, lest his officers should be alarmed at the prospect of attacking a force so much superior.

He called a council, however, and put this question: "Shall we march at once, or wait the coming of Craven ?" All but one were in favor of waiting, but Garfield adopted the judgment of this one.
"Forward it is!" he said.