The Army of the Potomac took up its march on a parallel line to the westward, but it was never able to come into close contact with the Army of Northern Virginia.

There were clouds of skirmishers and cavalry between.
Undaunted by his narrow escape at Brandy Station, Stuart showed all his old fire and courage, covering the flanks and spreading out a swarm of horsemen who kept off the Northern scouts.

Thus Lee was still able to veil his movements in mystery, and the anxious Hooker finally sent forward a great force to find and engage Stuart's cavalry.

Stuart, now acting as a rear guard, was overtaken near the famous old battlefield of Manassas.

For a long time he fought greatly superior numbers and held them fast until nightfall, when the Northern force, fearing some trap, fell back.
Harry had been sent back with two other staff officers, and from a distance he heard the crash and saw the flame of the battle.