Chapter XXX · Jack's Diplomacy--His Return to Camp--a New Move

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Each side wanted its men back under their own colors, and as the number of prisoners was about equal the exchange was speedily arranged.

later than; following

From this reading A day or two after the battle negotiations were begun for an exchange of prisoners.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading A day or two after the battle negotiations were begun for an exchange of prisoners.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

a state in south central United States; one of the Confederate states during the American Civil War

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

disposed or placed in a particular kind of order

From this reading Each side wanted its men back under their own colors, and as the number of prisoners was about equal the exchange was speedily arranged.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading A day or two after the battle negotiations were begun for an exchange of prisoners.

in addition to; as well as

From this reading Both the commanders were favorable to the exchange, as they were so hard pressed for supplies that the prisoners on their hands were burdensome in the way of devouring rations, and, besides, they required a strong guard to hold them securely.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Both the commanders were favorable to the exchange, as they were so hard pressed for supplies that the prisoners on their hands were burdensome in the way of devouring rations, and, besides, they required a strong guard to hold them securely.

not easily borne; wearing

From this reading Both the commanders were favorable to the exchange, as they were so hard pressed for supplies that the prisoners on their hands were burdensome in the way of devouring rations, and, besides, they required a strong guard to hold them securely.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading Colonel Hebart, of the Third Louisiana, was a prisoner in General Curtis's hands, and was traded off for Colonel Herron, and each army thus secured the return of an honored officer.

a flag that shows its nationality

From this reading Each side wanted its men back under their own colors, and as the number of prisoners was about equal the exchange was speedily arranged.

plural of “commander” — an officer in command of a military unit

From this reading Both the commanders were favorable to the exchange, as they were so hard pressed for supplies that the prisoners on their hands were burdensome in the way of devouring rations, and, besides, they required a strong guard to hold them securely.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

English botanical writer and publisher (1746-1799)

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Colonel Hebart, of the Third Louisiana, was a prisoner in General Curtis's hands, and was traded off for Colonel Herron, and each army thus secured the return of an honored officer.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading A day or two after the battle negotiations were begun for an exchange of prisoners.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

(often followed by “for”) ardently or excessively desirous

From this reading Both the commanders were favorable to the exchange, as they were so hard pressed for supplies that the prisoners on their hands were burdensome in the way of devouring rations, and, besides, they required a strong guard to hold them securely.

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Each side wanted its men back under their own colors, and as the number of prisoners was about equal the exchange was speedily arranged.

be identical or equivalent to

From this reading Each side wanted its men back under their own colors, and as the number of prisoners was about equal the exchange was speedily arranged.

chemical process in which one atom or ion or group changes places with another

From this reading A day or two after the battle negotiations were begun for an exchange of prisoners.

drained of energy or effectiveness; extremely tired; completely exhausted

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

encouraging or approving or pleasing

From this reading Both the commanders were favorable to the exchange, as they were so hard pressed for supplies that the prisoners on their hands were burdensome in the way of devouring rations, and, besides, they required a strong guard to hold them securely.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A day or two after the battle negotiations were begun for an exchange of prisoners.

a fortified military post where troops are stationed

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

inflected form of “fight” — be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading Both the commanders were favorable to the exchange, as they were so hard pressed for supplies that the prisoners on their hands were burdensome in the way of devouring rations, and, besides, they required a strong guard to hold them securely.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading Both the commanders were favorable to the exchange, as they were so hard pressed for supplies that the prisoners on their hands were burdensome in the way of devouring rations, and, besides, they required a strong guard to hold them securely.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading Both the commanders were favorable to the exchange, as they were so hard pressed for supplies that the prisoners on their hands were burdensome in the way of devouring rations, and, besides, they required a strong guard to hold them securely.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Colonel Hebart, of the Third Louisiana, was a prisoner in General Curtis's hands, and was traded off for Colonel Herron, and each army thus secured the return of an honored officer.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Colonel Hebart, of the Third Louisiana, was a prisoner in General Curtis's hands, and was traded off for Colonel Herron, and each army thus secured the return of an honored officer.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Both the commanders were favorable to the exchange, as they were so hard pressed for supplies that the prisoners on their hands were burdensome in the way of devouring rations, and, besides, they required a strong guard to hold them securely.

having an illustrious reputation; respected

From this reading Colonel Hebart, of the Third Louisiana, was a prisoner in General Curtis's hands, and was traded off for Colonel Herron, and each army thus secured the return of an honored officer.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Each side wanted its men back under their own colors, and as the number of prisoners was about equal the exchange was speedily arranged.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

a state in southern United States on the Gulf of Mexico; one of the Confederate states during the American Civil War

From this reading Colonel Hebart, of the Third Louisiana, was a prisoner in General Curtis's hands, and was traded off for Colonel Herron, and each army thus secured the return of an honored officer.

the force of workers available

From this reading Each side wanted its men back under their own colors, and as the number of prisoners was about equal the exchange was speedily arranged.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

a midwestern state in central United States; a border state during the American Civil War, Missouri was admitted to the Confederacy without actually seceding from the Union

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

plural of “negotiation” — a discussion intended to produce an agreement

From this reading A day or two after the battle negotiations were begun for an exchange of prisoners.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading Each side wanted its men back under their own colors, and as the number of prisoners was about equal the exchange was speedily arranged.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Colonel Hebart, of the Third Louisiana, was a prisoner in General Curtis's hands, and was traded off for Colonel Herron, and each army thus secured the return of an honored officer.

any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading Colonel Hebart, of the Third Louisiana, was a prisoner in General Curtis's hands, and was traded off for Colonel Herron, and each army thus secured the return of an honored officer.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading A day or two after the battle negotiations were begun for an exchange of prisoners.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Each side wanted its men back under their own colors, and as the number of prisoners was about equal the exchange was speedily arranged.

extremely

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

compacted by ironing

From this reading Both the commanders were favorable to the exchange, as they were so hard pressed for supplies that the prisoners on their hands were burdensome in the way of devouring rations, and, besides, they required a strong guard to hold them securely.

a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war

From this reading Colonel Hebart, of the Third Louisiana, was a prisoner in General Curtis's hands, and was traded off for Colonel Herron, and each army thus secured the return of an honored officer.

plural of “prisoner” — a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war

From this reading A day or two after the battle negotiations were begun for an exchange of prisoners.

plural of “ration” — the food allowance for one day (especially for service personnel)

From this reading Both the commanders were favorable to the exchange, as they were so hard pressed for supplies that the prisoners on their hands were burdensome in the way of devouring rations, and, besides, they required a strong guard to hold them securely.

“Johnny” was applied as a nickname for Confederate soldiers by the Federal soldiers in the American Civil War; “greyback” derived from their grey Confederate uniforms

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading Both the commanders were favorable to the exchange, as they were so hard pressed for supplies that the prisoners on their hands were burdensome in the way of devouring rations, and, besides, they required a strong guard to hold them securely.

no longer active in your work or profession

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Colonel Hebart, of the Third Louisiana, was a prisoner in General Curtis's hands, and was traded off for Colonel Herron, and each army thus secured the return of an honored officer.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

past form of “secure” — get by special effort

From this reading Colonel Hebart, of the Third Louisiana, was a prisoner in General Curtis's hands, and was traded off for Colonel Herron, and each army thus secured the return of an honored officer.

in a secure manner; in a manner free from danger

From this reading Both the commanders were favorable to the exchange, as they were so hard pressed for supplies that the prisoners on their hands were burdensome in the way of devouring rations, and, besides, they required a strong guard to hold them securely.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading Each side wanted its men back under their own colors, and as the number of prisoners was about equal the exchange was speedily arranged.

Rhodesian statesman who declared independence of Zimbabwe from Great Britain (born in 1919)

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Both the commanders were favorable to the exchange, as they were so hard pressed for supplies that the prisoners on their hands were burdensome in the way of devouring rations, and, besides, they required a strong guard to hold them securely.

with speed

From this reading Each side wanted its men back under their own colors, and as the number of prisoners was about equal the exchange was speedily arranged.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading Both the commanders were favorable to the exchange, as they were so hard pressed for supplies that the prisoners on their hands were burdensome in the way of devouring rations, and, besides, they required a strong guard to hold them securely.

plural of “supply” — an amount of something available for use

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Both the commanders were favorable to the exchange, as they were so hard pressed for supplies that the prisoners on their hands were burdensome in the way of devouring rations, and, besides, they required a strong guard to hold them securely.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Both the commanders were favorable to the exchange, as they were so hard pressed for supplies that the prisoners on their hands were burdensome in the way of devouring rations, and, besides, they required a strong guard to hold them securely.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Both the commanders were favorable to the exchange, as they were so hard pressed for supplies that the prisoners on their hands were burdensome in the way of devouring rations, and, besides, they required a strong guard to hold them securely.

one of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading Colonel Hebart, of the Third Louisiana, was a prisoner in General Curtis's hands, and was traded off for Colonel Herron, and each army thus secured the return of an honored officer.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading Colonel Hebart, of the Third Louisiana, was a prisoner in General Curtis's hands, and was traded off for Colonel Herron, and each army thus secured the return of an honored officer.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

past form of “trade” — engage in the trade of

From this reading Colonel Hebart, of the Third Louisiana, was a prisoner in General Curtis's hands, and was traded off for Colonel Herron, and each army thus secured the return of an honored officer.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading A day or two after the battle negotiations were begun for an exchange of prisoners.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Each side wanted its men back under their own colors, and as the number of prisoners was about equal the exchange was speedily arranged.

up to a particular time

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

desired or wished for or sought

From this reading Each side wanted its men back under their own colors, and as the number of prisoners was about equal the exchange was speedily arranged.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Both the commanders were favorable to the exchange, as they were so hard pressed for supplies that the prisoners on their hands were burdensome in the way of devouring rations, and, besides, they required a strong guard to hold them securely.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading A day or two after the battle negotiations were begun for an exchange of prisoners.

in or at the place that

From this reading |General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.