There was turmoil in the fort when Cole returned, men scurrying around like they were in a frantic search for something. Lots of shouting, barking sergeants issuing orders. Cole caught sight of a bedraggled orderly emerging from the telegraph office, clutching a sheet of paper, eyes glued to it as if nothing there made any sense. He came to an abrupt halt in front of Cole and spluttered, “Army’s fallen back. McClellan is being replaced. Dear God Almighty, it’s chaos. What is with the Major an’ all? This is just a disaster…” He continued on his way, stomping up the stairs of the Major’s quarters. Cole watched him and, more confused than ever, stood dazed and speechless on the parade ground.
“Cole?” came a voice, rough, deep, not to be ignored. “Cole, is that you?”
Turning, Cole was please
