As soon as Lander became aware of Jackson's purpose he started off in a two-horse wagon, accompanied only by his Adjutant; drove as rapidly as he could along the National Pike to Cumberland, then across the river, and from there to Romney, in time to prevent the hoped-for surprise, and to get the troops away with all the stores that could be removed, destroying the remainder.
March to Cumberland.
On the 10th, started from Hancock in company with the 110th Pa. and Andrews' Independent Company of Sharp Shooters, marched 18 miles, stopping at half past two the next morning.
A detail from the Regiment boarded a canal boat loaded with ammunition, as a guard to Cumberland. Their saving of a march was somewhat offset by a keen appreciation of the situation, knowing that a well-directed, or even stray, shot would destroy the boat and all of the boat load. The hoofs of the motive power were muffled to deaden the tramp of the mule.
Continued, on the 11th, along the National Pike, the last contingent reaching Cumberland on the 12th, and closing a forced march of 40 miles.
Jackson, baffled in his purpose, returned to Winchester. His Georgia troops especially suffered severely from their winter march.
On the 16th, from Cumberland to North Branch Bridge on the Virginia side.
On the 17th, at 3 p.m., review of all the troops.
On the 25th, first muster for pay, and on