Reaching New York at seven in the morning, he found the printers awaiting him; and, an hour later, his account of the conflict, filling five Tribune columns, was being cried in the streets by the news-boys. Notwithstanding the adverse circumstances of its preparation, it was vivid and truthful, and was considered the best battle-report of the war.
CHAPTER XXIV.
——Our doubts are traitors.
And make us lose the good we oft might win,
By fearing to attempt.
Measure for Measure.
In a lull of the musketry, during the battle of Antietam, McClellan rode forward toward the front. On the way, he met a Massachusetts general, who was his old friend and class-mate.
"Gordon," he asked, "how are your men?"
"They have behaved admirably," replied Gordon; "but they are now somewhat scattered."
"Collect them at once. We must fight to-night and fight to-morrow. This is our golden opportunity. If we cannot whip the Rebels here, we may just as well all die on the field."