Lee and Jackson will never get up in time to attack our army before it's over the river." The regiment began its slow retreat.

It had not suffered much, owing to the shelter of the forest, and, full of courage and resolution, it was a formidable support on the flank of the slowly retreating cavalry.
The evening was now at hand.

The sun was setting once more over the Virginia hills destined to be scarred so deeply by battle, but attack and defense went on.

As night came the thudding of cannon added to the tumult, and then the three boys saw the Rappahannock, a deep and wide stream flowing between high banks crested with timber.

Ahead of them Pope's army was crossing on the bridge and in boats, and masses of infantry supported by heavy batteries had turned to protect the crossing.