[105]
 |
| Rapid repairs This picture of the almost completed bridge across Bull Run shows how thoroughly the work was done — and how quickly, for the photograph was taken in March, 1863, only a short time after that on the opposite page. The hopes of Hooker and his army ran high; rested and heavily reinforced, it again outnumbered Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. It seemed certain that such a superior force must at last wrest a decisive victory from the Confederates. Hooker's plan of campaign was excellent. Demonstrating strongly against Lee's right, he intended to cross the fords of the Rappahannock and Rapidan with his main body and, flanking Lee by the left, draw him from his fastness at Fredericksburg to battle on the open plain. Cavalry was to be sent two weeks in advance of the infantry to sweep around in Lee's rear toward Gordonsville and cut his communications, to compel a retreat upon Richmond. But it was not Lee who retreated after Chancellorsville! |
