strangely delicate signature at the bottom.


_"Headquarters, Army Northern Virginia,
"In the field, near Custer House,
"Sept. 22, 2 P.M.

"Lieut.-Gen'l Longstreet,
"Commanding Left Wing.

"Sir: You will advance your entire force by the Connelton and Sheffield
pikes, so as to reach Castle Rock with your full infantry command by
daybreak, September 26th. Let this supersede all other orders. I
propose to attack in force in the neighborhood of Sailor's Ford, and
shall expect you to advance promptly at the first sound of our
artillery. It is absolutely essential that we form prompt connection of
forces, and to accomplish this result will require a quick, persistent
attack upon your part. You are hereby ordered to throw your troops
forward without reserve, permitting them to be halted by no obstacle,
until they come into actual touch with my columns. The success or
failure of my plans will depend utterly upon your strict observance of
these orders. _

"R. E. LEE,
_"Gen'l Commanding"_


I handed back the paper, and lifted my hand in salute.

"You have memorized it?"