A single decisive
victory would turn the tide of public opinion, unite the faction-ridden
army and thrill the Nation with enthusiasm.
He determined to fight at once and risk his fate as a commander on the
issue of victory or defeat. His council of war had voted against an
attack on Lee's army in Fredericksburg. Burnside brushed their decision
aside as part of the quarrel McClellan has left. Even the men in the
ranks were fighting each other daily in these miserable bickerings and
intrigues. A victory was the remedy for their troubles, and he made up
his mind to fight for it.
The General received Betty with the greatest courtesy:
"You're more than welcome at this moment, Miss Winter. The surgeons
won't let you in some of their field hospitals. But there's work to be
done preparing our corps for the battle we're going to fight. You'll
have plenty to do."
"Thank you, General," she gravely answered.
Burnside read for the second time the gracious letter from the President
which Betty presented.
"You're evidently pretty strong with this administration, Miss Betty,"
he remarked.
"Yes. The patience and wisdom of the President is a hobby of mine."
"Then I'll ask you to review the army with me. You can report to him."
Within an hour they were passing in serried lines before the Commander.
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