FROM THE POTOMAC TO FREDERICKSBURG
For many days after the battle of Antietam the Federal army exhibited
a "masterly inactivity." The ever-vigilant Lee was being reinforced,
and was rapidly remobilizing his army and getting ready for his
adversary, when he should once more invade the soil of Virginia.
McClellan's force on the 1st of October numbered 150,000 men, and on
the 6th Halleck telegraphed him, saying: "The President directs that
you cross the Potomac and give battle to the enemy or drive him South.
Your army must move while the roads are good." But two weeks
passed away, and still no advance was made. Halleck once more telegraphed
him: "The President does not expect impossibilities, but this
good weather must not be wasted in inactivity." November 1st the
entire force once more crossed the Potomac and entered Virginia. It
moved leisurely south along the eastern base of the Blue Ridge, while
Lee kept up a parallel movement on the west side. On the 7th a heavy
snow storm set in. Everything betokened the beginning of winter.
"Patience ceased to be a virtue" with the authorities at Washington,
and that night at 12 o'clock Lincoln ordered McClellan to turn over
the command of the army to General Burnside. The new commander
determined to advance at once to Fredericksburg, masking his intention
by a feint towards Gordonsville. Lee readily interpreted his action,
and while Burnside marched along the north bank of the Rappahannock
to Falmouth, he continued down the south bank and took position
at Fredericksburg. Here he destroyed the bridges, and prevented
the crossing of Burnside until he had time to surround himself with fortifications.
Fredericksburg lay midway between the contending armies, and it was
evident that its destruction was sealed whenever either army should
enter it.
