"We'll make our stand here," said Colonel Winchester. "The hill runs to
the right, and, as you see over there, it is covered with forest without
undergrowth. Thus we can secure protection, and at the same time be able
to maneuver, mounted."

The regiment was posted rapidly in two long lines, the second to fire
between the intervals of the first. They carried carbines and heavy
cavalry sabers, and they were the best mounted regiment in the Northern
service.

Yet these men, brave and skillful as they were, were bound to feel
trepidation, although they did not show it. They were far in the
Southern forest, cut off from their army, and Forrest, in addition to his
own cavalry, might have brought with him fresh reserves of the enemy.

Dick, Warner, and Pennington, as usual, remained close to their colonel,
and Sergeant Daniel Whitley was not far away. But Colonel Winchester
presently rode along the double line of his veterans, and he spoke to
them quietly but with emphasis and conviction:

"My lads," he said, "you see Forrest's men coming through the woods to
attack us. Forrest is the greatest cavalry leader the South has, west
of the Alleghanies. Some of you were with me when we were surprised and
cut up by him in Tennessee. But you will not be surprised by him now,
nor will you be cut up by him. All of you have become great riders,
a match for Forrest's own, and as I look upon your faces here I know that
there is no fear in a single heart. You have served under Grant, and you
have served under Thomas. They are two generals who always set their
faces toward the front and never turn them toward the rear. You will
this day prove yourselves worthy of Grant and Thomas."