These positions were occupied until April 1, and for six whole days Banks, with 19,000 men, was content to observe a force one-sixth his strength, which had been defeated by just half the numbers he had now at his disposal.  This was hardly the “vigorous action” which McClellan had demanded.  “As soon as you are strong enough,” he had telegraphed, “push Jackson hard, drive him well beyond Strasburg, pursuing at least as far as Woodstock, if possible, with cavalry to Mount Jackson."* (* O.R. volume 12 part 3 page 16.  The telegrams and letters quoted in this chapter, unless otherwise stated, are from this volume.)

In vain he reiterated the message on the 27th:  “Feel Jackson’s rear-guard smartly and push him well.”  Not a single Federal crossed Tom’s Brook.  “The superb scenery of the Valley,” writes General G.H.  Gordon, a comrade of Jackson’s at West Point, and now commanding the 2nd Massachusetts, one of Banks’ best regiments, “opened before us—­the sparkling waters of the Shenandoah, winding between the parallel ranges, the groves of cedar and pine that lined its banks, the rolling surfaces of the Valley, peacefully resting by the mountain side, and occupied by rich fields and quiet farms.  A mile beyond I could see the rebel cavalry.  Sometimes the enemy amused himself by throwing shells at our pickets, when they were a little too venturesome; but beyond a feeble show of strength and ugliness, nothing transpired to disturb the dulness of the camp."* (* From Brook Farm to Cedar Mountain page 133.)

Banks, far from all support, and with a cavalry unable to procure information, was by no means free from apprehension.  Johnston had already fallen back into the interior of Virginia, and the Army of the Potomac, instead of following him, was taking ship at Alexandria.  Information had reached Strasburg that the Confederates were behind the Rapidan, with their left at Gordonsville.  Now Gordonsville is sixty-five miles, or four marches, from Mount Jackson, and there was reason to believe that reinforcements had already been sent to Jackson from that locality.  On March 25 Banks telegraphed to Mr. Stanton:  “Reported by rebel Jackson’s aide (a prisoner) that they were assured of reinforcements to 30,000, but don’t credit it.”  On March 26:  “The enemy is broken, but will rally.  Their purpose is to unite Jackson’s and Longstreet’s* (* Commanding a division under Johnston.) forces, some 20,000, at New Market (seven miles south of Mount Jackson) or Washington (east of Blue Ridge) in order to operate on either side of the mountains, and will desire to prevent our junction with the force at Manassas.  At present they will not attack here.  It will relieve me greatly to know how far the enemy (i.e.  Johnston) will be pressed in front of Manassas.”  On the 27th his news was less alarming:  “Enemy is about four miles below Woodstock.  No reinforcement received yet.  Jackson has constant communication with Johnston, who is east of the mountains, probably at Gordonsville.  His pickets are very strong and vigilant, none of the country people being allowed to pass the lines under any circumstances.  The same rule is applied to troops, stragglers from Winchester not being permitted to enter their lines.  We shall press them further and quickly.”