They knew that Longstreet had opened with
his batteries across the river, and that those of Pope were replying.
The men looked at one another. There was a deep feeling of excitement
and suspense among them. They did not know what all this marching meant,
but they had learned to trust the man who led them. He had led them only
to victory, and they did not doubt that he was doing so again.
The march never paused for an instant. On they went, and the sound of
the great guns behind them grew fainter and fainter until it faded away.
Where were they going? Was it a raid on Washington? Were they to hurl
themselves upon Pope's rear, or was there some new army that they were to
destroy?
Up swept the sun and the coolness left by the storm disappeared. The
August day began to blaze again with fierce burning heat, but there was
no complaint among Jackson's men. They knew now that they were on one of
his great turning movements, on a far greater scale than any hitherto,
and full of confidence, they followed in the wake of Little Sorrel.
In the daylight now Jackson had scouts and skirmishers far in front and
on either flank.
Pages:
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140