The result was, as I have told
you before, that General Pope was driven back with the wreck of his
army to the very gates of the capital, and General George arrived
barely in time to save it. Yes, my son, General George, not only so
saved the capital, but extricated the government and the Chief of
Staff out of the difficulties they had brought on themselves.
When, then, the victorious rebel army turned aside from the
fortifications of Washington, and marched triumphantly into
Maryland, strong garrisons were left in the forts, and more troops
were poured into the city to insure its safety. It was, indeed,
resolved by the government, which began now to profit by experience,
and by the fact that the capital of the nation had twice been placed
in extreme peril, that for the future, come what might, it should at
least be made secure. Experienced officers of rank were placed in
command of the defenses, north as well as south of the Potomac. The
troops were drilled constantly, and soon became good artillerists.
They were also instructed in and soon became efficient in the art of
defending forts. They studied well, and became familiar with the
ground in their front; and, what was more than all, they knew their
guns, and how to fight them.
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