25th, at 3 P.M., they were again on the march back to the Valley, to
stop the new trouble there. 8 miles covered the first day.
On the 26th, 6 A.M., 22 miles, to within one mile of Catlett Station,
arriving at 10 P.M.
On the 27th, changed position, 2 miles.
On the 28th, 12 miles to Haymarket.
On the 29th, 6 A.M., 15 miles to Rectortown, pitched tents, and at 7
P.M. started for Front Royal, marched all night, and reached there 6
P.M.
On the 30th, the Louisiana and Georgia troops had been driven out
through the day by Colonel Nelson's Rhode Island Cavalry.
On the 31st, 2 P.M., went 4 miles out on the Winchester Pike,
skirmishing with the enemy, accompanied by two pieces of artillery.
By this time Jackson was aware of the situation, which he had not
apprehended when he was bent on routing Banks.
He now realized that Banks was beyond capture and safe; that he must
leave the Potomac to his rear; that in so doing Banks would have the
advantage of pursuing a retreating column; that on his retreat he would
probably run against Fremont, and could not evade Shields.
He knew that he had but one way to go. He knew there was but one way of
escape, and that over the bridge at Port Republic.
June 1st, Shields' Division took up its part of the program and went 10
miles toward Luray, and on the
2d, 15 miles further in the same direction.
On the 4th, arrived at Columbia Bridge, near Luray.