What
struck you in those eyes and lips was the fire, and the smile of an
unconquerable courage. Never had I witnessed resolution more splendid
and invincible. In the ragged foot soldiers of the old army I could see
plainly the evidences of a nerve which no peril could shake. Was it
race--or the cause--or confidence, through all, in Lee? I know not, but
it was there. These men were utterly careless whether the enemy
followed them or not. They were retreating unsubdued. The terrible
scenes through which they had passed, the sights of horror, the ghastly
wounds, the blood, agony, death of the last few days had passed away
from their memories; and they went along with supreme indifference,
ready to fight at any moment, and certain that they could whip any
enemy who assailed them.
General Meade did not attempt that. He kept Lee at arm's-length, and
followed so slowly that the civilians were in enormous wrath, and
looked _*de haut en bas_ on him--on this timid soldier who had not cut
Lee to pieces.
[Illustration: MEETING OF GENERALS LEE AND DAVENANT.]
Between Meade, however, and the bold civilians, there was this enormous
difference. The soldier knew the mettle of the man and the army
retiring from Gettysburg. The civilians did not. Meade retained the
fruits of his victory over Lee.
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