They might be planning to fall upon the capital from another direction.

The Union commander must protect Washington and at the same time look for his enemy.
The army marched near the Potomac, and Dick, as he rode with his regiment, saw McClellan several times.

It had not been many months since he took his great army by sea for what seemed to be the certain capture of Richmond, but McClellan, although a very young man for so high a position, had already changed much.

His face was thinner, and it seemed to Dick that he had lost something of his confident look.

The awful Seven Days and his bitter disappointment had left their imprint.
Nevertheless he was trim, neat and upright, and always wore a splendid uniform.