“3. Wherein is a victory more valuable by your plan than mine?
“4. In fact, would it not be less valuable in this—that it would break no great line of the enemy’s communication, which mine would?
“5. In case of disaster, would not a safe retreat be more difficult by your plan than by mine?
“Yours, truly,
“A. LINCOLN.”
He afterwards, however, yielded to General McClellan. Thus affairs stood, until the first week in March, when the enemy were discovered to be retreating from Manassas, and the grand advance commenced.
CHAPTER VI.
Advance of the Army of the Potomac.—The Thirty-third taking up the line of march.—Flint Hill.—General McClellan decides to move on Richmond by way of the Peninsula.—Embarkation of the Thirty-third at Alexandria.—Embarkation Scene.—Mount Vernon.—The Monitor.—Arrival at Fortress Monroe.—Agreeable change of the climate.—Hampton.—Reconnoisance to Watt’s Creek.—Rebel Epistolary Literature.—Bathers shelled by the rebel gunboat Teaser.—Building a Redoubt.
On the 10th of March the Army of the Potomac unfurled its banners, and began the forward march. Comprised of legions of brave men perfected in discipline through long months of drill; supplied with everything pertaining to the material of war, and headed by a General the very mention of whose name inspired to deeds of daring—in this grand army were centred the Nation’s hopes. The long delay was ended, the public pulse quickened, and with light heart and elastic step the volunteer moved away, confident that he moved to victory.