Explore "Chattanooga. (November, 1863.)" by Herman Melville on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
A kindling impulse seized the host / Inspired by heaven's elastic air; [9] / Their hearts outran their General's plan, / Though Grant commanded there -- / Grant, who without reserve can dare; / And, "Well, go on and do your will" / He said, and measured the mountain then: / So master-riders fling the rein -- / But you must know your men.
On yester-morn in grayish mist, / Armies like ghosts on hills had fought, / And rolled from the cloud their thunders loud / The Cumberlands far had caught: / To-day the sunlit steeps are sought. / Grant stood on cliffs whence all was plain, / And smoked as one who feels no cares; / But mastered nervousness intense / Alone such calmness wears.