bel army is
still on the north bank of the Potomac. The recent rains have raised the
river above the fording mark. However, Lee will undoubtedly fall back
into Virginia if he finds a good opportunity. During the latter part of
the day General Meade finally decided to assault the position of the
invaders. Very much to the delight of the rank and file of the army,
orders were promulgated to the effect that a strong and simultaneous
advance must be made early on the morning of the fourteenth.
Preparations were immediately begun.

FALLING WATERS.

Kilpatrick and his cavalry were sent out on picket, and advanced as near
the enemy's lines as it was prudent. Not many hours of the night had
passed away when Kilpatrick discovered certain movements which indicated
that the enemy was leaving his front. Prepared as he was to attack them
by the morning light, he was ready to follow up any movement which they
might make. Hence, at three o'clock in the morning of the fourteenth,
his advance-guard moved forward upon the retiring enemy. While
information of this unexpected movement of the enemy was despatched to
General Meade, Kilpatrick advanced towards Williamsport with his usual
rapidity and power, driving and capturing every thing before him.
Informed by citizens that the rearguard of the retreating army had but a
few moments before started from the river, he followed closely in their
tracks, and struck them at Falling Waters, where, after a brilliant and
sharp conflict, he bagged a large number of prisoners. Many a poor
fellow never reached the long-looked-for Virginia shore.

General Meade then sent the following despatch to Washington:

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
July 14, 3 P. M.

_H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief_:

My cavalry now occupy Falling Waters, having overtaken and
captured a brigade of infantry, fifteen hundred strong, two
guns, two caissons, two battle-flags, and a large number of
small-arms. The enemy are all across the Potomac.

GEORGE G. MEADE, _Major-General_.

Later in the day he sent the following:

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
July 14, 3.30 P. M.

_Major-General Halleck, General-in-Chief_:

My cavalry have captured five hundred prisoners, in addition
to those previously reported. General Pettigrew, of the
Confederate army, was killed this morning in the attack on
the enemy's rearguard. His body