They did not believe that the Confederacy was to be finished in North Carolina, but at Richmond.

They knew that Lee's army yet stood between Grant and the Southern capital, and, there, would be the heart of great affairs.
Spring was now opening and Sheridan's army marched eastward.

Men and horses were covered with mud, but they still had the flush of victories won, and the incentive of others expected.

They were even yet worn by hard marching and some fighting, but it was a healthy leanness, making their muscles as tough as whipcord, while their eyes were keen like those of hawks.
Dick did not rejoice now in the work they were doing, although he saw its need.

Theirs was a task of destruction.