It will be remembered that the greater part of the spring of this year (1863), that is, from the time the Federal army moved from its winter-quarters in Stafford and King George counties, and all the early summer, were passed by the belligerent forces in efforts to compel their adversaries to fall back on their respective capitals. The people and the press on both sides were clamoring for the accomplishment of _something definite_, and when Vicksburg fell, and on the stricken field of Gettysburg, victory perched upon the Union banners, our hopes seemed on the point of realization, but the fall of the leaf found the hostile armies still confronting each other. Lee's force, though fearfully shattered, maintained its organization, and to all appearance had lost little of its former self-confidence. General Meade, perhaps the most scientific strategist of all the generals who had held the chief command of the Army of the Potomac, was severely criticised, simply because he declined by "raw Haste, half-sister to Delay," to hazard the ultimate fruition of his well-laid plans; and Captain Glazier, it must be admitted, was one of his adverse critics. We think the censure was uncalled for. Wellington had but one Waterloo, and although to him was due the victory, it was the fresh army of Blucher that pursued the retreating French, and made defeat irretrievable. But whenever Lee, or McClellan, Jackson, or Meade obtained a hard-earned victory, the people, on either side, were dissatisfied because their triumph was not followed up by, at once and forever, annihilating the foe! CHAPTER XV. FROM BATTLE-FIELD TO PRISON. A situation to try the stoutest hearts.--Hail Columbia!--Every man a hero.--Kilpatrick's ingenuity.--A pen-picture from "Soldiers of the Saddle."--Glazier thanked by his general.--Cessation of hostilities.--A black day.--Fitzhugh Lee proposes to crush Kilpatrick.-"Kil's" audacity.--Capture of Lieutenant Glazier.--Petty tyranny.--"Here, Yank, hand me that thar hat, and overcoat, and boots."