He determined, he says, "not to attempt the passage of the river at that point with the army," but to "seek a more favorable place to cross, higher up the river, and thus gain the enemy's right." This manoeuvre was intrusted to Jackson, whose corps formed the Confederate left wing.

Jackson advanced promptly to the Warrenton Springs Ford, which had been selected as the point of crossing, drove away a force of the enemy posted at the place, and immediately began to pass the river with his troops.

The movement was however interrupted by a severe rain-storm, which swelled the waters of the Rappahannock, and rendered a further prosecution of it impracticable.

General Lee was thus compelled to give up that plan, and ordered Jackson to withdraw the force which had crossed.

This was done, and General Lee was now called upon to adopt some other method of attack; or to remain inactive in face of the enemy.
But to remain inactive was impossible.