They expected at the very least to have one hundred and fifty thousand
men in line, most of them veterans.
But Dick saw Shepard again that evening. He had come from a long journey
and he reported great activity in the Southern camp. When Dick said
that Lee and Jackson would have to fight both Pope and McClellan the spy
merely replied:
"Yes, if Pope and McClellan hurry."
But Dick learned that night that Pope was not discouraged. He had an
army full of fighting power, and eager to meet its enemy. He began the
next day to move up the river in order that he might face Lee's whole
force as it attempted to cross at the upper fords. Their spirits
increased as they learned that Early, through fear of being cut off,
was going back to join the main Southern army.
The ground had now dried up after the great storm, but the refreshed
earth took on a greener tinge, and the air was full of sparkle and life.
Dick had not seen such elasticity among the troops in a long time.
As they marched they spoke confidently of victory. One regiment took up
a song which had appeared in print just after the fall of Sumter:
"Men of the North and West,
Wake in your might.
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