noon
Heretofore she had been intensely excited by what had been mere skirmishes , but now she witnessed preparations for a battle . That long line of dark blue on the ridge portended something more terrible than she could imagine . The sounds of conflict died away down the main road , the ring of axes was heard in the grove which crowned the ridge near the mansion , and Mr. Baron groaned again . Thin curls of smoke began to define the Union position -- before noon thousands of coffee-pots were simmering on the fires . At last , a tall man , followed by a little group of officers and a squadron of cavalry , rode down the ridge toward the mansion . These troopers surrounded the house , forming one circle near and another much further away , so that none could approach without causing prompt alarm . The group of officers dismounted and orderlies held their horses .