But
none was made. This was more fortunate for us. I cannot
understand what withheld the enemy from an assault.
"On Tuesday suddenly came the order to re-cross the river. It was
a stormy and dreary night, and so, of course, favorable to our
purpose. The maneuver was executed in silence, and with
commendable expedition. The rebels appeared to have no suspicion
of General Burnside's intentions. The measured beat of our double
quick was drowned by the fury of the storm, and with minds
relieved, though bodies drenched, we once more found ourselves
with the river between us and our foes. Nothing was left behind.
"Here we are again, but not all of us. Many a brave soldier has
breathed his last, and lies under the sod. 'God's ways are dark,
but soon or late they touch the shining hills of day.' So sings
our own Whittier, and so I believe, in spite of the sorrowful
disaster which we have met with. It is all for the best if we
could but see it.
"Our heavy losses of officers have rendered some new appointments
necessary.
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