“Now, it is quite possible that he has taken a new position and nearer Richmond.  It is even possible that he has advanced a considerable distance nearer Richmond; but it is not likely, as he has been put where he is for the purpose of observing our right and rear until he is reenforced.  On the 23d, we occupied Mechanicsville, and our possession of that place may have so interfered with or so threatened Branch’s plans that he will make some movement.  The truth is, to be frank with you, he is in a false position, and ought to return to Hanover Junction at once and unite there with Anderson’s force, which has begun its march from Fredericksburg to Richmond, or else he ought to join Johnston’s army without delay.  I am telling you these things because I want you to understand the situation thoroughly, in order to help you, and because I think I can trust you.”

“Well, General?”

“Knowing our plans, you will be better able to decide what to do in a critical moment.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Now, what we want to know is the true point upon which our attack should be directed.  If we march straight on Hanover Court-House, and find that the rebels have left that place and have moved further south, we shall be attacking their left instead of their right, and they can retreat toward Richmond.  In case they have moved south, we must not march on the Court-House; we must attack their right, wherever that may be.  Now, that is what you must do for us:  find out where Branch’s right flank rests before we make the attack.”

“Then I must precede your march by no great distance.”

“Exactly.”

“When do you march, General?”

“We march on the 27th, day after to-morrow, at daylight.  You will have to-night and to-morrow and until the middle of the next day.”

“I can see one thing, General.”

“What is that?”

“When I find the enemy’s right, I must hang to it for fear of its moving after I report.”

“Very well; hang to it.”

“And I must have help, so that I can send reports to you while I do hang to it.”

“As much help as you want.”

“Have you another man as good as Jones?”

“There is no better man than Jones; you want only two?”

“I think Jones and another will do, if the other man can be thoroughly depended upon.”

“You can have as many men as you want, as many horses as you want, and anything else that you want—­speak out.”

“Why don’t you have a company of cavalry to do this work for you, General?”

“A company of cavalry!  They wouldn’t get within a mile of Branch!”

“Simply because they would be too many,” said I; “all I want is Jones and another man as good as Jones; if no such man can be found, I want only Jones.”

“What would be your plans?”

“I should report by the third man the first information of importance; then report by Jones when we find Branch’s right; hang to it myself, and report if it moves.  You will need to know where Branch’s right is at the moment when you are ready to strike—­not where it was an hour before.”