Collect all
your stragglers. Bring up every man who is in the rear. If McClellan
wants a battle again in the morning, he shall have it. Now go!"
Not a general said a word in objection, in fact, they did not speak at
all, but rode slowly away, every one to his command. Yet they were,
without exception, against the decision of their great leader.
Even Stonewall Jackson did not want a second battle. He had shown
through the doubtful conflict a most extraordinary calmness. While the
combat in the north, where he commanded, was at its height, he had sat on
Little Sorrel, now happily restored to him, eating from time to time a
peach that he took from his pocket. Nothing had escaped his observation;
he watched every movement, and noticed every rise and fall in the tide
of success. His silence now indicated that he concurred with the others
in his belief that the remains of the Confederate army should withdraw
across the Potomac, but his manner indicated complete acquiescence in the
decision of his leader.
But in the north of the peninsula the remnants of either side had scarce
a thought to bestow upon victory or defeat.
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