But most of the soldiers were now disciplined thoroughly.

The month they had spent at Winchester after the great raid had been devoted mostly to drill.
The day of departure came and the army, amid the good wishes of many friends in Winchester, filed out of the town.

The great rains, which, it had seemed, would never cease, had ceased at last.

There was a touch of spring in the air, and in sheltered places the grass was taking on deep tints of green.
During all the days of preparation Jackson had said nothing about his plan of retreat.

The Virginians, lining the streets and watching so anxiously, did not know where he would seek refuge.