Warmth and food had doubled his vitality, and he was ready for any errand on which Jackson might send him.
While it was yet snowing, he rode with a half dozen troopers toward the Potomac.

On the other side was a small town which also held a Union garrison.

Scouting warily along the shores, Harry discovered that the garrison was still there.

Evidently the enemy believed in the protection of the river, or many of their leaders could not yet wholly believe that Jackson and his army, making a forced march in the dead of winter, were at hand.
But he had no doubt that his general would attend to these obstinate men, and he rode back to Bath with the news.

Jackson gave his worn troops a little more rest.