Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 37.djvu/151

Rh leaving the Rappahannock, its condition is good, and its confidence is unimpaired. I hope your Excellency will understand that I am not in the least discouraged, or that my faith in the protection of an all merciful Providence, or in the fortitude of this army is at all shaken."

That the army soon recovered its morale and that General Lee's faith in its fortitude was not mistaken was abundantly proved by the attitude of the two armies within three months after crossing the Potomac. The Union Army again lay in its old position north of the Rapidan and around Culpeper Courthouse, with the Confederates south of the river. On October 9th, General Lee resumed his aggressive tactics, and advanced to meet his old enemy, when General Meade retired from Culpeper across the Rappahannock declining battle, and removing all his stores.

Lee made another determined effort to reach him, and crossing the river moved rapidly through Warrenton on a route parallel to Meade's. The swift-footed Confederates outmarched their opponents and overtook the latter at Bristoe Station, but through a hasty and ill-advised attack by the leading column, the enemy were suffered to escape, and General Lee gave up the pursuit.

The final result of the Gettysburg campaign was to stay all further attempts on the part of Meade to advance on Richmond until the following spring, when hostilities were resumed by General Grant. 4em