combined troops of Hunter and Sigel only, Wright having returned to

Washington under orders to rejoin Meade at Petersburg. This

reduction of the pursuing force tempting Early to resume the

offensive, he attacked Crook at Kernstown, and succeeded in

administering such a check as to necessitate this general's retreat

to Martinsburg, and finally to Harper's Ferry. Crook's withdrawal

restored to Early the line of the upper Potomac, so, recrossing this

stream, he advanced again into Maryland, and sending McCausland on to