“Yes, of course.  Hunt for big game.  Don’t bother with raiders or foragers.”

“The Junction seems to be on the other side of the Pamunkey River,” said I.

“Yes; it is between the North Anna and the South Anna, which form the Pamunkey a few miles below the Junction.”

“Then, supposing that I find the rebels in force at Hanover Court-House, would there be any need for me to go on to the Junction?”

“None at all,” said the general; “you would only be losing time; in case you find the enemy in force anywhere, you must return and inform us just as soon as you can ascertain his strength.  But if you find no enemy at Hanover Court-House, or near it, or even if you find a small force, such as a party of cavalry, you should try to get to the Junction.”

“Very well, General; how long do you expect me to be gone?”

“I can give you four days at the outside.”

“Counting to-night?”

“No; beginning to-morrow.  I shall expect you by the morning of the 27th, and shall hope to see you earlier.”

“I shall not wish to be delayed,” said I.

“You shall have horses; relays if you wish,” said he.

“In returning shall I report to any officer I first chance to meet?” I asked.

“No; not unless you know the enemy to be particularly active; in that case, use your judgment; of course you would not let any force of ours run the risk of being surprised, but, all things equal, better reserve your report for me.”

“And shall I find you here, sir?”

“If I am not here, you may report to General Butterfield; if this command moves, I will leave orders for you.”

“At about what point will my danger begin, General?”

“You will be in danger from scouting parties of the rebel cavalry from the moment when you reach this point,” putting his pencil on a spot marked Old Church, “and you will be delayed in getting around them perhaps.  You have a full day to Hanover Court-House, and another day to the Junction, if you find that you must go there; that gives you two days more; but if you find the enemy at the Court-House, you may get back in three days.”

“Why should I go by Old Church?”

“Well, it seems longer, but it will prove shorter in the end; the country between Old Church and Mechanicsville is neutral ground, and you would be delayed in going through it.”

[Illustration:  Map]

“Am I to report the conditions between Old Church and Hanover Court-House?”

“Take no time for that, but impress the character of the roads and the profile of the country on your mind—­I mean in regard to military obstacles; of course if you find rebels in there, a force, I mean—­look into them.”

“Well, sir, I am ready.”

“You may have everything you want; as many men as you want, mounted or afoot; can you start to-morrow morning, Berwick?”

“Yes, General; by daylight I want to be at Old Church.  Please have a good man to report to me two hours before day.”