"What are you doing here?"
"We are guarding some of our wagons which were left here. Our regiment has gone forward at a half-hour's notice to reinforce Zagonyi," said a sergeant, rising and saluting me.
"But is there no sentry here?" I asked.
"There was one, but he has been withdrawn," replied the sergeant.
"Where are head-quarters?"
"At the first house on your right, about a hundred yards farther up the road," he said, pointing in the direction I was going.
It was strange that I could ride up to within pistol-shot of head-quarters without being challenged, I soon reached the house. A sentry stood at the gate. I tied my horse to the fence, and walked into the Adjutant's tent. I had passed by night from one division of the army to another, along the public road, and entered head-quarters without being questioned. Twenty-five bold men might have carried off the General. I at once reported these facts to Colonel E.; inquiry was made, and it was found that some one had blundered.
There is no report from Springfield. Zagonyi sent back for reinforcements before he reached the town, and Carr's cavalry, with two light field-pieces, have been sent forward. Captain R., my companion this afternoon, has also gone to learn what he may. While I am writing up my journal, a group of officers is around the fire in front of the tent. They are talking about Zagonyi and the Guard. We are all feverish with anxiety.
October 26th. This morning I was awakened by loud cheers from the camp of the Benton Cadets. My servant came at my call.
"What are those cheers for, Dan?"