Most of the young faces were not yet browned by the burning sun of Texas.

Drawn by the reports of great adventure they had come from far places, and each little company had its own name.

There were the "Grays" from New Orleans, the "Mustangs" from Kentucky, the "Red Rovers" from Alabama and others with fancy names, but altogether they numbered, with the small reinforcements that had been received, only three hundred and fifty men.
Ned could have shed tears, when he looked upon the force.

He felt himself a veteran beside them.

Yet there was no lack of courage among them.