Many had striven to believe that the reports were untrue,
but now there could be no doubt.
And the panic gained a second impetus when the generals set fire to the
suspension bridge over the river and the docks along its banks. The
inhabitants saw the signal of doom in the sheets of flame that rolled up,
and all those who had taken a leading part in the Southern cause
prepared in haste to leave with Johnston's army. The roads were choked
with vehicles and fleeing people. The State Legislature, which was then
in session, departed bodily with all the records and archives.
But Dick, after the first hours of triumph, felt relaxed and depressed.
After all, the victory was over their own people, and five thousand of
the farmer lads, North and South, had been killed or wounded. But this
feeling did not last long, as on the very evening of victory he was
summoned to action. Action, with him, always made the blood leap and
hope rise. It was his own regimental chief, Arthur Winchester, who
called him, and who told him to make ready for an instant departure from
Donelson.
"You are to be a cavalryman for a while, Dick," said Colonel Winchester.
"So much has happened recently that we scarcely know how we stand.
Above all, we do not know how the remaining Southern forces are disposed,
and I have been chosen to lead a troop toward Nashville and see.
You, Warner, Pennington, that very capable sergeant, Whitley, and others
whom you know are to go with me.
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