far as
possible."

Longstreet spoke. "Well, by the time he makes those twenty miles the
troops should be rested and in condition. We'll have another battle and
another victory."

Lee spoke, addressing Stuart. "You have done your work most skilfully,
general. It is not every army that has a Jeb Stuart!" He paused, then
spoke to all. "McClellan will not be up for several days. Across the
river, in Virginia, are yet fourteen thousand of the enemy. I had hoped
that, scattered as they are, Washington would withdraw them when it
heard of our crossing. It has not done so, however. It is not well to
have in our rear that entrenched camp at Harper's Ferry. It is my idea,
gentlemen, that it might be possible to repeat the manoeuvre of Second
Manassas."

Stonewall Jackson hitched his chair closer. Stuart chuckled joyously.
Longstreet looked dubious. "Do you mean, general, that you would again
divide the army?"

Lee rested his crossed hands on the table before him. "Gentlemen, did I
have the Northern generals' numbers, I, too, might be cautious. Having
only Robert E. Lee's numbers, I advance another policy. It is my idea
again to divide the army."

"In the enemy's country? We have not fifty-five thousand fighting
strength."

"Yes, in the enemy's country. And I know that we have not fifty-five
thousand fighting strength. My plan is this, gentlemen. General Stuart
has proved his ability to hold all roads and mask all movements. We will
form two columns, and behind the screen which his cavalry provides, one
column will move north and one column will move south. By advancing
toward Hagerstown the first will create the impression that Pennsylvania
is to be invaded. Moreover Catoctin and South Mountain are strong
defensive positions. The other column will move with expedition.
Recrossing the Potomac, it will invest and capture Harper's Ferry. That
done, it will return at once into Maryland, rejoining me before
McClellan is up."

Longstreet swore. "By God, that is a bold plan!--What if McClellan
should learn it?"

"As against that, we must trust in General Stuart. These people must be
driven out of Harper's Ferry. All our communications are threatened."

Longstreet was blunt. "Well, sir, I think it is madness. Pray don't send
me on any such errand!"

Lee smiled. "General Jackson, what is your opinion?"

Jackson spoke with brevity. "I might prefer, sir, to attack McClellan
first and then turn upon Harper's Ferry. But I see