Harry knew much, but he did not divine the
full depths of the suspense, suffered by the people beyond the veil that
clothed the two armies. Lincoln had been continually urging Meade to
pursue and destroy his opponent, and Meade, knowing how formidable Lee
was, and how it had been a matter of touch and go at Gettysburg, pursued,
but not with all the ardor of one sure of triumph. Yet the man at the
White House hoped continually for victory, and the Southern people feared
that his hopes would come true.
It became sure the next day that they would reach the Potomac before
Meade could attack them in flank, but the scouts brought word that the
Potomac was still a deep and swollen river, impossible to be crossed
unless they could rebuild the bridges.
Finally the whole army came against the Potomac and it seemed to Harry
that its yellow flood had not diminished one particle since he left.
But Lee acted with energy. Men were set to work at once building a new
bridge near Falling Waters, parts of the ruined pontoon bridges were
recovered, and new boats were built in haste. But while the workmen
toiled the army went into strong positions along the river between
Williamsport and Hagerstown.
Harry found himself with all of his friends again, and he was proud of
the army's defiant attitude.
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