"May I ask, sir, when this junction is to occur?"
"I have not decided, sir."
"Does General Ewell know when it will occur?"
"Not precisely. He will be told in good time."
"Whether, when you move, you move north or west or south or east, is, I suppose, sir, purely a matter of conjecture?"
"Purely, sir."
"But the morale of the army, its efficiency and spirit, may be freely praised and imparted?"
"Yes, sir, freely. Upon your return I shall want from you your impression of General Ewell and the troops he commands." He drew toward him a map which lay on the table. "You will ride through Massanutton Gap by Conrad's Store and Swift Run Gap. Thence you will make a détour to Charlottesville. There are stores there that I wish reported upon and sent on to Major Harman at Staunton. You will spend one day upon that business, then go on to Ewell."