He had cast in his lot with the army, and he meant to fight his very best that day; but he realized the hopelessness of the contest before them, and although, if the General could only be aroused in time to a sense of his own blunder, and would at the eleventh hour order up the cannon, and take those steps which might ensure success, the tide of battle might soon be turned.

Yet no man felt any confidence in him as a leader, and it was only the ignorant soldiers, unaware of what lay before them, who rose to greet the coming day with hope and confidence in their hearts.
But it was something that they should start forth with so high a courage.

Even if they were going to their death, it was better they should believe that they were marching forth to victory.

They cheered lustily as they received the order, which was to carry the breastwork by a bayonet charge; and only the Rangers saw the grim smile which crossed the face of Rogers as he heard that word given.
Yet he and his gallant band of Rangers were in the van.

They did not shrink from the task before them, although they knew better than others the perils and difficulties by which it was beset.