“This being the situation of the armies and the condition of the minds of the people, the loss of another great battle at this time would have greatly prolonged the war, if it would not have been fatal to the ultimate success of the Union cause. The authorities at Washington were doing everything in their power to allay the excitement among the people, and at the same time were trying to have the Army of the East put in motion so as to pass down to Pottstown and interpose in front of the enemy; he evidently intending to move by way of Brown's Ferry, throwing part of his force on the Brown's Ferry road and a portion over into the Sheepstown road, making a junction at or near Shapleyville. The Union forces were expected to move across by Fardenburg, down the sloping mountains of Cochineal and along and across Mad Valley to Pottstown, and take position behind Antler's Run. But it seemed to be almost impossible to get Gen. McGregor to put his army in motion. Many were the excuses made; want of this thing to-day, and something else to-morrow--shoes, clothing, blankets, and many other things--protracted the delay. Finally, the President and Secretary of War being out of patience with his hesitancy and excuses, the President directed the Secretary of War to order Gen. McGregor to move without further delay. This seemed to be understood by McGregor, and the next day everything about the camps was in a bustle, and the Army of the East was again in motion; but the movements were slow, and made in such a manner as not to inspire very great confidence in our immediate success. The men and subordinate officers seemed resolute and determined, but there was something surrounding all the movements that was mysterious. “The papers were full of all the movements, and were discussing the probabilities, etc. Seeing this Gen. Anderson was fired with a desire to at once return to the front. On account of his very weak and feeble condition we tried to detain him, but in vain. “He said: 'No, I am going to the front, and I wish to go to the East. Will you ask by telegraph for such an assignment for me?' “I answered that I would, and did so immediately. “The next day he received a telegram from the Secretary of War, directing him to report to Gen. McGregor for assignment to duty. “Gen. Anderson said to Capt. Jackson: 'Your invasion of Canada will be postponed until later. You will be ready to start in the morning with me to the Army of the East.' “He called old Ham, and repeated the order to him to be in readiness. “Ham said: 'Afore de Lord, Massa Tom, you isn't gwine to be fitin' agin, is you?' “'Yes! You get ready. Have your bedding and all your traps ready, if you think you can stand to be shot at by the rebels.' “'Shot at! Is you gwine to put me out to be snot at? Me done thought thar war 'nuff white folks to get shotten at, widout de poor darkies like me.' “'Yes; but you want to be free, do you not, Ham?'