April 3rd, 1865 [afternoon]

George Pennon’s ears were filled with the delightful sound of happy chatter and hearty laughter. The Confederates were all in an optimistic mood because the prospect of the first real meal in months was before them

“Only a day more, Matt, and we’ll be feasting on, bacon, coffee, biscuits, sugar, and tea. And who knows what other heavenly things!”Pennon licked his lips in anticipation.

“Just think, for weeks there’s been a bounty only forty miles away!”

“”Well, it’s a miracle we even made it out of there alive, Matt. It isn’t as if we could have waltzed out of there any time we wanted, now could we? Lee had to wait for the right time, when the Yankees least expected it. For my part, I won’t assume to criticize the General.”

“No. Neither will I George. Grant couldn’t hold a candle to our Lee in anything. Why, even Grant’s dress is sloppy! I’ve heard people say his hair is rarely combed, he wears the same uniform for weeks, and he barely knows how to button his coat!”

“-While Lee is the picture of a gentleman, proper and dignified. Sandler, did you know that Grant and Lee are acquaintances? They worked side by side in the Mexican war.” Pennon chuckled. “And once, Lee saw Grant looking disheveled as ever, and scolded him about it!”

“Ha! I wonder if Grant would admit to THAT tale! George, did you ever hear the story about General Grant’s advanced musical talent?”

“Can’t say that I have,”

“Someone told me they heard Grant say he only knows two tunes. One is Dixie… and the other…ISN’T!”

As they continued their hopeful march, they continued to tell favorite Confederate jokes and retell many stories. But deep inside, Pennon knew that the outcome of the war depended on their getting to Amelia Court House…soon.