as quickly as the fastest steamer could get you there...”

outposts, both sides trying to achieve something whenever occasion

The prevalence of a severe drought had resulted in drying up many of

the streams within the enemy's lines, and, in consequence, he was

obliged to shift his camps often, and send his beef-cattle and mules

near his outposts for water. My scouts kept me well posted in regard

to the movements of both camps and herds; and a favorable opportunity

presenting itself, I sent an expedition on August 14 to gather in

some animals located on Twenty-Mile Creek, a stream always supplied