Summary

In Chapter 13, Thomas describes the horrors and calamities of war. Charred corpses and burned flesh need to be cleared from the battlefield. McCarthy, the 11-year-old drummer boy, was blown up by shells. Many soldiers are shaken so badly they cannot continue to fight. At night, Thomas wanders off by himself in a reflective mood. The wolves, he realizes, will dig up the dead once they have abandoned the area. He encounters a bear and is afraid he might charge, but the animal leaves him alone and walks away. He returns to the camp and listens to the murmurs of officers in their tents.

They move on toward the river and a ford hidden under the flood. For entertainment, Thomas, John Cole, and the other troopers wear blackface, sing folk songs, and drink. Dan FitzGerald performs in a dress and the other men go...