Stephen's news soon spread, and, in our part of the army at least, gave general satisfaction.
Officers and men alike had perfect confidence in Görgei's judgment, and the only fear expressed was that he would be hampered by the orders of the civil government.
For a time, however, we were too busy with the work of preparation to think much of anything else.
Exactly what was in hand, of course, we did not know; but on the night of the third of April a rumour spread through the camp that the army would march at daybreak.
Directly after breakfast the regiments mustered, arms were examined, instructions issued to officers; and as soon as it was well light we moved out in three divisions by the highroad running to Pesth.
Görgei commanded in person, and under him were Generals Klapka, Aulich, and Damjanics.
Our regiment formed part of the first corps, which advanced by the right, keeping in touch, however, with the two others. Görgei had left fifteen thousand men at Hatvan, but we were still nearly thirty thousand strong; and our object apparently was to prevent Jellachich from joining the main army under Windischgratz.
"There's the first move," cried young Thurzo excitedly, as away on our left one of Aulich's batteries opened fire.
"And the answer to it," said I, as the enemy responded with a terrific storm of shot and shell. "It must be warm over there."
The battle soon developed, not reaching us, however, though occasionally we caught glimpses of it as we marched on to take up our position near the village of Tampio-Biscke.