And the Lawley boys and Ballantyne. The Major’s all right⁠—but there’s Jim Devine And Francis Carroll and Judson White⁠— I wish I had some liquor tonight.”

Wingate touched the cut on his head. It burned, but it no longer bled. “I wish I could sleep ten years,” he said.

The night of the third day falls. The battle is done. Lee entrenches that night upon Seminary Ridge. All next day the battered armies still face each other Like enchanted beasts. Lee thinks he may be attacked, Hopes for it, perhaps, is not, and prepares his retreat.

Vicksburg has fallen, hollow Vicksburg has fallen, The cavedwellers creep from their caves and blink at the sun. The pan of the Southern balance goes down and down. The cotton is withering.