"General Hill very earnestly asks, sir, that he may be permitted to speak to you."
"Where is General Hill? Is he here?"
"Yes, sir, he is outside the tent."
"Tell him to come in. You have a very good fast horse, Major Douglas. There is nothing more, I think, to-night. Good-night."
A. P. Hill entered alone, without his sword. "Good-evening, General Hill," said Jackson.
Hill stood very straight, his red beard just gleaming a little in the dusky tent. "I am come to prefer a request, sir."
"Yes. What is it?"
"A week ago, upon the crossing of the Potomac, you placed me under arrest for what you conceived—for disobedience to orders. Since then General Branch has commanded the Light Division."
"Yes."
"I feel certain, sir, that battle is imminent. General Branch is a good and brave soldier, but—but—I am come to beg, sir, that I may be released from arrest till the battle is over."