I go on
with the main body of the regiment to join Grant, near the mouth of the
Ohio. You, Major Hertford, will take three companies and march south
in search of Thomas, but be careful that you are not snapped up by the
rebels on the way. And if you can get volunteers and join Thomas with
your force increased threefold, so much the better."
"I shall try my best, sir," said Major Hertford, "and thank you for this
honor."
Dick and Warner stood by without a word, but Dick cast an appealing look
at Colonel Newcomb.
"Yes, I know," said the Colonel, who caught the glance. "This is your
state, and you wish to go with Major Hertford. You are to do so.
So is your friend, Lieutenant Warner, and, Major Hertford, I also lend
to you Sergeant Whitley, who is a man of much experience and who has
already proved himself to be of great value."
The three saluted and were grateful. They longed for action, which they
believed would come more quickly with Major Hertford's column. A little
later, when military form permitted it, the two boys thanked Colonel
Newcomb in words.
"Maybe you won't thank me a few days from now," said the colonel a
little grimly, "but I am hopeful that our plans here in Eastern Kentucky
will prove successful, and that before long you will be able to join the
great forces in the western part of the state. You are both good boys
and now, good-bye."
The preparations for the mountain column, as Dick and Warner soon called
it, had been completed.
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