"This," said Nelson, "is what General Buell and myself were talking about in Louisville as a small reward for your service. Take it, my boy, for you richly deserve it."
It was a commission as captain, and detailed him as an independent scout, subject to the orders of General William Nelson.
"Why, General," stammered Fred, "I didn't want this. You know, you told me it was better for me not to enlist."
"I know," responded Nelson, "but as you are with the army so much, it is better for you to wear a uniform and have a rank that will command respect."
So Fred became "captain" in earnest.
During his conversations with Nelson, Fred told him what he had heard his father say to his aunt about Grant and Buell being crushed in detail, and the general became thoroughly imbued with the idea that the army at Pittsburg Landing was in grave danger. No other general shared this fear. He chafed like a caged tiger at the delay in crossing Duck river. At length he sought Buell, who laughed at his fears, and said that he would not move until the bridge was completed. In vain Nelson begged and pleaded.
"Why, Nelson, what's the matter with you any way?" at length asked Buell.
"Matter? I will tell you," snapped Nelson. "Here we have been puttering with this bridge for nearly a week, and all this time the force at Pittsburg Landing is in danger of being attacked and annihilated."
Buell leaned back in his chair, and looking quizzically at Nelson, said: