scarcely overlooked a rathole or a rat. That place where

his battalion for a further forward movement on foot, but it was

readily seen that the enemy was present in such heavy force as almost

to ensure our destruction, and I gave orders for a hasty withdrawal.

We withdrew without loss under cover of thick woods, aided much,

however, by the consternation of the Confederates, who had hardly

recovered from their surprise at our sudden appearance in their camp

before we had again placed the stream between them and us by

recrossing the bridge. The reconnoissance was a success in one way--