While at this point, the Regiment, for the first time, placed ten
companies in line. "H" Co. had been recruited during the Spring and
early Summer, and left Camp Curtin, under orders to join the Regiment,
on the 14th, arriving on the 16th.
* * * * *
Pope did not remain in this position long.
At this period of the War it was looked upon at the North as the worst
of generalship to permit any rebel troops to get between our forces and
the Seat of Government, and it was well known on the other side that
any movement that threatened such a condition would cause the quick
packing of tents and the immediate tramp of whatever Union force was
charged with the protection of the Capital. Later on came a change in
this regard.
Jackson threatened Washington by starting a movement to Pope's rear,
passing around his right flank.
On the 19th, commenced Pope's backward march.
On the 21st, Pope was safely across the Rappahannock, and immediately
Jackson was along the south side of the river. Rappahannock Station
was the central river point, the line stretching 15 miles.
In '62, an ordinary river stemmed the current of pursuit more
effectually than it did in '64.