be suspected of peculiar solidity.  Nevertheless, the Northern soldiers must receive their due.  Want of discipline made fearful ravages in the ranks, but, notwithstanding the defection of so many of their comrades, those that remained faithful displayed the best characteristics of their race.  The heart of the army was still sound, and only the influence of a strong and energetic commander was required to restore its vitality.  This influence was supplied by Hooker.  The cumbrous organisation of Grand Divisions was abolished.  Disloyal and unsuccessful generals were removed.  Salutary changes were introduced into the various departments of the staff.  The cavalry, hitherto formed in independent brigades, was consolidated into a corps of three divisions and a brigade of regulars, and under a system of careful and uniform inspection made rapid improvement.  Strong measures were taken to reduce the number of deserters.  The ranks were filled by the return of absentees.  New regiments were added to the army corps.  The troops were constantly practised in field exercises, and generals of well-deserved reputation were selected for the different commands.  “All were actuated,” wrote Hooker, “by feelings of confidence and devotion to the cause, and I felt that it was a living army, and one well worthy of the Republic.”

On April 27, after several demonstrations, undertaken with a view of confusing the enemy, had been made at various points, the grand movement began.

The Confederate army still held the lines it had occupied for the past four months.  Jackson’s army corps extended from Hamilton’s Crossing to Port Royal.  McLaws’ and Anderson’s divisions occupied Lee’s Hill and the ridge northward, and a brigade watched Banks’ Ford.  Stuart was with his main body, some 2400 strong, at Culpeper, observing the great mass of Federal horsemen at Warrenton Junction, and the line of the Rappahannock was held by cavalry pickets.

The strength of the Army of Northern Virginia, so far as can be ascertained, did not exceed 62,000 officers and men.

Second corps.

A.P.  Hill’s Division 11,500
Rodes’ Division 9,500
Colston’s (Jackson’s own) Division, 6,600
Early’s Division 7,500
Artillery 2,100

First corps. 
Anderson’s Division 8,100
McLaws’ Division 8,600
Artillery 1,000

Cavalry
Fitzhugh Lee’s Brigade 1,500
W.H.F.  Lee’s Brigade (two regiments) 900
Reserve Artillery 700
Add for reinforcements received since
  March 1, date of last return 4,000
                                      ------
                        Total 62,000
                                and l70 guns.