Chapter 28 BEYOND THE POTOMAC

"Thus far our fortune keeps an upward course,

And we are graced with wreaths of victory;

But, in the midst of this bright-shining day,

I spy a black, suspicious, threat'ning cloud,

That will encounter with our glorious sun."

--SHAKESPEARE.

We left the position near Fairfax Court-House early in September, and marched northward, cro