spurs of the Blue Ridge, on
the west and left flank, protected by heavy earthworks. His forces and
his movements were covered by streams, forests, hills, and by a very
heavy chaparral or copse for miles in extent.

"Silent would not attack in his front, as Laws expected, but concluded
to plunge immediately into the chaparral and threaten Laws's right. This
would compel the enemy to give battle at once or retreat. So orders were
issued for the Army of the East to move at midnight, cross the Rapidan,
and march into the dense woods by the roads nearest the rebel lines.
The troops moved, and by dawn the next morning had possession of the
crossings and were passing over the river. By night of that day the army
had crossed with most of their trains. The cavalry had pushed forward
and camped near Sedgewear, who had gone into bivouac on the hill after
crossing the Rapidan. During the day our signal corps had read the
signals of the enemy, which were that Laws had discovered Silent's
movements and was making preparations to meet them.

"Silent had ordered Broomfield to move at once and make night marches
so as to be up in time. Sherlin was to move forward and attack the rebel
cavalry at Chancellor's City. Three times this army had crossed the
Rapidan before and as many times had been driven back. The question
in the minds of all was, 'Will Silent go on, or will he be forced to
recross the stream?' Laws was very confident that he would force him
back.

"That night Silent received a telegram from Sherwood at Chatteraugus,
saying that his army had moved out that day and was near the enemy;
also, from Crooker and Boutler; all had moved. Thus Silent had all the
armies of the Republic, wherever they might be, at the same hour moving
against the enemy aggressively. No such movements had a parallel in
history. The enemy were menaced in every front, so that no portion could
give aid or re-enforcements to the other.

"Laws, when he saw the situation, determined to attack, believing that
he could assault Warner and drive him back before Hanscom (who had
crossed some miles from Warner) could come up to join on Warner's right.
That night Warner and Ewelling lay facing each other, nearly together.
They might easily have divided rations, though hidden from each other by
the dense forest. Yet, like the knowledge we all have by instinct of our
near approach to danger, they were each aware of the other's presence.

"Gen. Silent ordered a cha