But I reckon a lot of others felt the way you did, though
they won't admit it now. Look, we're nearly to Washington now. See the
dome of the Capitol over the trees there, an' I can catch glimpses of
roofs too."
Dick and George also saw the capital, and cheered by the sight, they
marched at a swifter gait. Soon they turned into the main road, where
the bulk of the army had already passed and saw swarms of stragglers
ahead of them. Journalists and public men met them, and Dick now
learned how the truth about Bull Run had come to the capital. The
news of defeat had been the more bitter, because already they had been
rejoicing there over success. As late as five o'clock in the afternoon
the telegraph had informed Washington of victory. Then, after a long
wait, had come the bitter despatch telling of defeat, and flying
fugitives arriving in the night had exaggerated it tenfold.
The division to which Dick, Warner, and Whitley belonged marched over
the Long Bridge and camped near the capital where they would remain
until sent on further service. Dick now saw that the capital was in no
danger. Troops were pouring into it by every train from the north and
west. All they needed was leadership and discipline. Bull Run had
stung, but it did not daunt them and they asked to be led again against
the enemy. They heard that Lincoln had received the news of the defeat
with great calmness, and that he had spent most of a night in his office
listening to the personal narratives of public men who had gone forth
to see the battle, and who at its conclusion had left with great speed.
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