July advanced.
The heat became more intense.

The fields were bare, the vegetation trodden out by armies, and, when the wind rose, clouds of dust beat upon them.

It was lucky for them that the country was cut by so many streams.
The Invincibles were moved about several times, but they stopped at last at a little plateau where a branch railroad joined the main stem, giving to the place the name Manassas Junction.

Bull Run was near, flowing between high banks, but with crossings at two fords and two bridges.

Beauregard had thrown up earthworks at the station, and strong batteries were hidden in the foliage at the fords.