This was the road that led to Pope. It was not Washington, or Winchester,
or some unknown army, but their foe on the Rappahannock that they were
going to strike. A deep murmur of joy ran through the ranks, and the men
who had now been marching thirty hours, with but little rest, suddenly
increased their speed. Knowledge had brought them new strength.
They entered the forest and passed into Thoroughfare Gap, which leads
through Bull Run Mountain. The files narrowed now and stretched out in a
longer line. This was a deep gorge, pines and bushes lining the summits
and crests. The confined air here was closer and hotter than ever,
but the men pressed on with undiminished speed.
Harry Kenton felt a certain awe as he rode behind Jackson, and looked up
at the lofty cliffs that enclosed them. The pines along the summit on
either side were like long, green ribbons, and he half feared to see men
in blue appear there and open fire on those in the gorge below. But
reason told him that there was no such danger. No Northern force could
be on Bull Run Mountain.
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