On the morning of the 14th of July, to the unbounded astonishment of the whole of Meade’s army, it was ascertained that the rebels under General Lee had effected a most skillful retreat. Under cover of the darkness, they had withdrawn from Williamsport, and the whole force, together with all its trains, plunder, &c., had escaped across the Potomac. On the same day the Union troops occupied Williamsport and Falling Waters; capturing at the latter place, a brigade of infantry, fifteen hundred strong, two guns, two caissons, two battle flags, and a large number of small arms. A vigorous pursuit of the rebel army was immediately ordered; and on the 15th, Meade’s army pursued, overtook, and engaged the rear of the rebel army; but the enemy continued to make good his retreat, while the Unionists continued to follow closely, till on the 24th, the Union army again overtook the fugitives; and a battle on the north side of the Rappahannock appeared to be inevitable. But again the wily rebel general disappointed the brave Unionists, so eagerly awaiting an opportunity to engage and defeat his troops. During the night, General Lee again effected his escape from his pursuers, and reached Culpepper Court-House, before his movements were detected. Active operations were now, for a time, at an end, with the Army of the Potomac. It occupied the same line on the Rappahannock, which it had held two months previous, and the wearied soldiers rested from the labors of their long and tiresome march, still wearing upon their brows the laurels they had won in General Meade’s successful if not brilliant campaign. THE VICKSBURG CAMPAIGN.