Ralph laughed. “Why, of course I shall. It seems to me this war won't be a very long one.”
“Perhaps not—you can't tell. But McClellan taught the Johnnies a lesson at the 'races' the other day.”
“The 'races?'” Ralph's eyes opened wide.
“Yes, the 'Philippi races,'” Bill went on. “The Confeds ran so fast from our boys at that battle that they dubbed their retreat the 'Philippi races,' in honor of the speed they showed. He has been made a general, and given the Ohio troops to command. He crossed the Ohio with four regiments and banged after the enemy. He found it hard work, for they say Colonel Porterfield burned all the bridges. He wasn't long in putting them in order, though, and getting over some big reinforcements. He routed them at Philippi and at Rich Mountain. Government ought to remember him, I tell you.”
And it did, for “Little Mac,” as he was called, was made commander-in-chief of the Army of the Potomac.
CHAPTER III. RALPH'S FIRST BATTLE.
