Meade became aware of Lee's purpose too late to make the following a walk, or even an easy run.
It was so closely parallel, at times, that it was not certain which army was in the pursuit, and when at Bristoe Station,
On October 14th, the 2d Corps and a portion of the 5th were attacked, while marching by the flank, by a portion of Hill's Corps under Heth, Warren did a service for the Army of the Potomac, and his Country, which should have avoided the decree of April, 1865, removing him from his Command.
It was the only Infantry engagement of moment in the movement, and had the effect of making this the last in the series of Lee's running campaigns on Washington.
On his way back, starting on the
19th, Lee destroyed the Railroad, which Meade rebuilt as the Army of the Potomac advanced leisurely to the Rappahannock.
On November 7th, Meade forded the river at Rappahannock Station and Kelly's Ford, the battling at both points being severe, and the Army of the Potomac no more came back until without a foe.
November 8th, Lee crossed the Rapidan, and he never came back.
Camp at Brandy Station.