Two divisions which had been left at Harper's Ferry started at midnight
just as Dick was looking at his watch and at dawn they were almost to
the Potomac. On their flank was a cavalry brigade and A. P. Hill was
hurrying with another of infantry. Messenger after messenger from them
came to Lee that on the fateful day they with their fourteen thousand
bayonets would be in line when they were needed most.
Few of those who fought for the Lost Cause ever cherished anything more
vividly than those hours between midnight and the next noon when they
marched at the double quick across hill and valley and forest to the
relief of their great commander. There was little need for the officers
to urge them on, and at sunrise the rolling of the cannon was calling to
them to come faster, always faster.
CHAPTER X
ANTIETAM
Dick arose at the first flash of dawn. All the men of the Winchester
regiment were on their feet. The officers had sent their horses to the
rear, knowing that they would be worse than useless among the rocks and
in the forest in front of them.
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