Now, on the ninth of May, when the two great adversaries faced each
other on the Po, a more arduous service still was demanded of the great
sabreur. Sheridan had been dispatched to sever General Lee's
communications, and, if possible, capture Richmond. The city was known
to be well nigh stripped of troops, and a determined assault might
result in its fall. Sheridan accordingly cut loose a heavy column, took
command of it in person, and descended like a thunderbolt toward the
devoted city.
No sooner, however, had he begun to move, than Stuart followed on his
track. He had no difficulty in doing so. A great dust-cloud told the
story. That cloud hung above the long column of Federal cavalry,
accompanied it wherever it moved, and indicated clearly to Stuart the
course which his adversary was pursuing.
If he could only interpose, with however small a force, between
Sheridan and Richmond, time would be given for preparation to resist
the attack, and the capital might be saved. If he failed to interpose,
Sheridan would accomplish his object--Richmond would fall.
It was a forlorn hope, after all, that he could arrest the Federal
commander. General Sheridan took with him a force estimated at 9,000.
Stuart's was, in all, about 3,000; Gordon, who was not in the battle at
Yellow Tavern, included.
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