President, you'll find him in
that red brick house on the right--"
Reagan pointed in the direction of the house.
The President looked at his friend a moment, a quizzical expression
relieving his anxiety.
"Of course--it's a joke, Reagan."
"It's true, sir!"
Davis shook his head:
"General Johnston is on the Chickahominy guarding the crossings. I sent
my aide with a dispatch to him last night."
"He hadn't returned when you left the office--"
"No--"
"I thought not. There can be no mistake, sir. I saw General Johnston and
his staff enter that house and establish his headquarters there--"
"Here in the suburbs of Richmond?"
"Right here, sir--"
Davis put spurs to his horse, and waved to his aide:
"Colonel Ives--come!"
Reagan turned and rode again into Hood's camp.
The President rode straight to Johnston's headquarters. He sprang to the
ground with a quick decisive leap.
The ceremony between the two men was scant. No words were wasted.
"You have moved your army into the suburbs of Richmond, General
Johnston?"
"I have--"
"Why?"
"I consider this better ground--"
"You have left no rear guard to contest McClellan's crossing?"
"No."
"May I ask why you chose to give up the defenses of such a river without
a blow?"
"My army was out of provisions--"
"They could have been rushed to you--"
"The ground near the Chickahominy is low and marshy.
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