What doe Farquhar and his wife learn from the visitor?

They learn from the soldier in the gray uniform that the Yanks are making progress and repairing the damaged railroad. The hope to erect an encampment by the side of Owl Creek Bridge and are planning to execute anyone who tries to interfere with their repairing of the railroad.

They learn that the Yanks are going to advance across the Creek and there is little defense once they cross,

"The Yanks are repairing the railroads," said the man, "and are getting ready for another advance. They have reached the Owl Creek bridge, put it in order and built a stockade on the north bank. The commandant has issued an order, which is posted everywhere, declaring that any civilian caught interfering with the railroad, its bridges, tunnels or trains will be summarily hanged. I saw the order."