CHAPTER IX.

In pursuit of the rebels.

We followed the enemy closely in his retreat, keeping on his flank, and on July 11th, found him entrenched at Williamsport, Md. on the Potomac River.

On the 14th, when an advance was ordered upon these works, they were found abandoned, the enemy having re-crossed the river on the night of the 13th.

We followed on in due time, and soon found ourselves once more, back on the old line of the Rappahannock in Virginia, where after a most wearisome campaign, we went into camp.

About the middle of October, the enemy made an attempt to get between the federal forces and Washington city, but Gen. Meade defeated his purposes, and Lee went back to his old haunts beyond the Rapidan river.

November 6th, the Mine-run campaign opened, but beside constant skirmishing and several brisk battles, by portions of the army, nothing of importance was accomplished, and we returned to our old position on December 2nd.

During the balance of the winter of '63, '64, we were encamped at Bristow station, on the Orange and Alexandria Rail-road, and guarded well a portion of the line of communication.