In front of them, a little army of gaunt and ragged men, looked on and waited, without resisting their advance. What did that waiting mean? Did they intend to dispute the passage of that multitude toward Richmond? It seemed incredible, but that was exactly the intention of Lee. It is now known that General Grant and his officers felicitated themselves greatly on the safe passage of the Rapidan, and were convinced that Lee would hasten to retreat toward the South Anna. Instead of retreating, Lee advanced and delivered battle. The first collision took place on the 5th of May, when the Federal army was rapidly massing in the Wilderness. Ewell had promptly advanced, and about noon was forming line of battle across the old turnpike, when he was vigorously attacked by Warren, and his advance driven back. But the real obstacle was behind. Ewell’s rear closed up--he advanced in his turn; assailed Warren with fury; swept him back into the thicket; seized two pieces of his artillery, with about 1,000 prisoners; and for the time completely paralyzed the Federal force in his front. Such was the first blow struck. It had failed, and General Grant turned his attention to A.P. Hill, who had hastened up, and formed line of battle across the Orange plank road, on Ewell’s right. Hancock directed the assault here, and we have General Lee’s testimony to the fact, that the Federal attempts to drive back Hill were “repeated and desperate.” All failed. Hill stubbornly held his ground. At night the enemy retired, and gave up all further attempts on that day to make any headway. Grant had expected to find a mere rear-guard, while Lee’s main body was retreating upon Richmond. He found two full corps in his front; and there was no doubt that a third--that of Longstreet--was approaching. Lee was evidently going to fight--his aim was, plainly, to shut up Grant in the Wilderness, and drive him back beyond the Rapidan, or destroy him. XXXI. THE REPORT. It was twilight and the fighting was over. The two tigers had drawn back, and, crouching down, panted heavily,--resting and gathering new strength for the fiercer conflict of the next day. From the thickets rose the stifled hum of the two hosts. Only a few shots were heard, now and then, from the skirmishers, and these resembled the last drops of a storm which had spent its fury. I had been sent by General Stuart with an order to General Hampton, who commanded the cavalry on Hill’s right. Hampton was sitting his horse in a field extending, at this point, between us and the enemy; and, if it were necessary, I would draw his outline. It is not necessary, however; every one is familiar with the figure of this great and faithful soldier, in his old gray coat, plain arms and equipments, on his large and powerful war-horse,--man and horse ready for battle. In the war I saw many great figures,--Hampton’s was one of the noblest.