The storm was of uncommon fury.

He had never seen one fiercer, and knowing that he had little to dread from the Southerners while it raged he knew also that he must make his way on foot, and as best he could, to his own people.
Making a calculation of the direction and remembering that one might wander in a curve in the darkness, he set off down the stream.

He meant to keep close to the banks of the Rappahannock, and if he persisted he would surely come in time to Pope's army.

The rain did not abate.

Both armies were flooded that night, but they could find some measure of protection.