e. "We know that we
do," said the men. "Now, our friend, the enemy, you go back!" Out of the
dun cloud and roar came a deep "Steady, men! You've got your bayonets
yet. Stand it for five minutes. General Early's coming. This is
Manassas--Manassas--Manassas! God is over us! Stand it for five
minutes--for three minutes.--General Early, drive them with the
bayonet."

Late that night on the banks of Bull Run the general "from the West,
where we have always seen the backs of our enemy" sent a remarkable
telegram to Halleck at Washington. _"We fought a terrific battle here
yesterday with the combined forces of the enemy, which lasted with
continuous fury from daylight until dark, by which time the enemy was
driven from the field which we now occupy. The enemy is still in our
front, but badly used up. We lost not less than eight thousand men
killed and wounded, but from the appearance of the field the enemy lost
two to one. The news has just reached me from the front that the enemy
is retreating toward the mountains."_

The delusion holding, he, at noon of the thirtieth, ordered a general
advance. "The troops to be immediately thrown forward in pursuit of the
enemy and to press him vigorously." One of his officers undertook a
comment. "By the Lord Harry, it will be the shortest pursuit that even
he ever saw! Why, damn it all! they're still here! I tell you the place
is unlucky!"

Twenty thousand blue soldiers formed the front that came down from the
hills and moved toward the Groveton wood and the railroad track. Behind
them were supporting masses, forty thousand strong. On every slope
gleamed the great blue guns. The guns opened; they shelled with
vehemence the wood, the railroad cut, and embankment, the field
immediately beyond. A line of grey pickets was seen to leave the wood
and make across the track and into cover. Pope at the Stone House saw
these with his field glass. "The last of their rear guard," he said.

One of his generals spoke. "Their guns are undoubtedly yet on that
ridge, sir."

"I am perfectly well aware of that, sir. But they will not be there long
after our line has crossed the track. Either we will gloriously take
them, or they will limber up and scamper after Jackson. He, I take it,
is well on his way to Thoroughfare Gap. All that we need is expedition.
Crush him, and then when Longstreet is up, crush _him_."

"And those troops on Stuart Hill?"

"Give you my word they are nothing, general! A rebe