The Southern vanguard could not assail such a powerful force, and before the night was over the whole Union army passed to the Northern side of the Rappahannock.
Dick felt a mixture of chagrin and satisfaction as he crossed the river, chagrin that this great army should draw back, as McClellan's had been forced to draw back at the Seven Days, and satisfaction that they were safe for the time being and could prepare for a new start.
But the feeling of exultation soon passed and gave way wholly to chagrin.

They were retreating before an army not exceeding their own, in numbers, perhaps less.

They had another great force, the Army of the Potomac, which should have been there, and then they could have bade defiance to Lee and Jackson.

The North with its great numbers, its fine courage and its splendid patriotism should never be retreating.

He felt once more as thousands of others felt that the hand on the reins was neither strong nor sure, and that the great trouble lay there.