Yes,
my son, and what was more, we celebrated it on the 4th of July. And
the people of the North were glad of heart, and rejoiced
exceedingly, and sang praises to General Meade, for he had fought
the battle well and won his country's gratitude.
Still, my son, we hesitated, and failed to take advantage of our
success. In truth, we let the rebel army re-cross the Potomac at its
leisure, although we might have given it serious trouble had we
pressed it at once. Indeed, there were a great number of people who
expected General Meade to either drive the rebel army into the
Potomac or capture it. But military men know that capturing a large
army, though it may have been beaten in battle, is not so easy a
matter. And even a victorious army, after fighting so great a
battle, needs rest and time to improve its shattered condition.
CHAPTER X.
HANGING IN THE BALANCE.
HERE, my son, is an exact portrait of the general who fought the
great battle of Gettysburg. When he had rested his army a sufficient
time he began moving in pursuit of the enemy. The rebel general fell
back into old Virginia, taking his time as he went along, and being
in no temper to hasten his steps.
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