arlier, their burden was secrecy
and silence. He never forgot any detail of that memorable day. Years
afterwards he could shut his eyes at any time and see the eve of
Chancellorsville in all its vivid colors, thirty thousand Southern
troops lying hidden in the thickets, General Jackson, followed by
himself and two other aides, riding upon the hill again and taking one
more look at the unsuspecting enemy below, the spreading out of the
cavalry like a curtain between them and Howard's corps to keep even a
single stray Northern picket or scout from seeing the mortal danger
at hand, and then Jackson dismounting and, seated on a stump, writing
to Lee that he was on the enemy's flank and would attack as soon as
possible. Harry was in fear lest the general should choose him to carry
back the dispatch, as he wished to stay with the corps and see what
happened, but the duty was assigned to another man.

Confidence meanwhile reigned in the Union army. In the morning Hooker
had ridden around his whole line, and cheers received him as he came.
Scouts had brought him word that Jackson was moving, and he had taken
note of the encounter with the rearguard of Stonewall's force. But as
that force continued its march into the deep forest and disappeared from
sight, the brave and sanguine Hooker was confirmed in his opinion that
the whole Southern army was retreating. His belief was so firm that
he sent a dispatch to Sedgwick, commanding the detached force near
Fredericksburg, to pursue vigorously, as the enemy was fleeing in an
effort to save his train.

While Hooker was writing this dispatch the "fleeing enemy," led by the
greatest of Lee's lieutenants, lay in full force on his flank, almost
within rifle-shot, preparing with calmness and in detail for one of
the greatest blows ever dealt in war. Truly no soldiers ever deserved
higher praise than those of the Army of the Potomac, who, often misled
and mismanaged by second-rate men, grew better and better after every
defeat, and never failed to go into battle zealous and full of courage.

It seemed almost incredible to Harry, who had twice looked down upon
them, that the whole Union right should remain ignorant of Jackson's
presence. Twenty-eight regiments and six batteries strong, the Northern
troops were now getting ready to cook their suppers, and there was much
laughter and talk as they looked around at the forest and wondered
when they would be sent in pursuit of the fleein