In Washington they wondered, but did not rejoice.

They had not expected there any blow to be struck in the dead of winter, and Lincoln demanded of his generals why they could not do as well.

Distance and the vagueness of the news magnified Jackson's exploits and doubled his numbers.

Eyes were turned with intense anxiety toward that desolate white expanse of snow and ice, in the midst of which he was operating.
Jackson finally turned his steps toward Romney, which had been the Union headquarters, and his men, exhausted and half starved, once more dragged themselves over the sleety roads.

Winter offered a fresh obstacle at every turn.