They knew that Buell's great force was approaching from
different points and that a battle was expected on the morrow. He knew
this already, but he wanted to know how much of the Confederate army lay
in Perryville, and he intended to see with his own eyes.
Having passed the first line of pickets the sergeant advanced more
rapidly, although he still kept well under cover. Advancing thus he
reached the bed of the creek and hid himself against the bank, allowing
his body to drop down in the water, in order that he might feel the
glorious cool thrill again, and also that he might be hidden to the neck.
His rifle and ammunition he laid at the edge of the bank within reach.
Situated thus comfortably, he used his excellent eyes with excellent
results. He could see Perryville on his left, and also a great camp on
some heights that ran along the creek. There were plenty of lights in
this camp, and, despite the lateness of the hour, officers were passing
about.
It was obvious to the sergeant that many thousands of soldiers were
on those heights, and now he wanted to hear again with his own ears.
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