of the Potomac, and posted it in order of battle on the hills and
plains around Gettysburg. There the two armies stood, the Union and
the Rebel, than whom there was none braver, awaiting for the signal
for the clash of arms. Then a great battle began and lasted three
days. And there was desperate fighting and great valor displayed on
both sides, and the field was strewn with the dead and wounded. And
the battle of Gettysburg was a great battle, and the Union army of
patriots gained a great and glorious victory over the rebels. 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.