The thumb is the Mountain road; the index-finger the Telegraph
road; where the thumb joins the hand is the Yellow Tavern in open
fields; and Richmond is at the wrist.
Toward the head of the thumb is a wood. Here Wickham, commanding
Stuart's right, was placed, his line facing the Mountain road so as to
strike the approaching enemy in flank.
From Wickham's left, or near it, Stuart's left wing, under Lomax,
extended along the Telegraph road to the Tavern--the two lines thus
forming an obtuse angle.
On a hill, near Lomax's right, was Breathed with his guns.
The object of this disposition of Stuart's force will be seen at a
glance. Lomax, commanding the left, was across the enemy's front;
Wickham, commanding the right, was on their flank; and the artillery
was so posted as to sweep at once the front of both Stuart's wings.
The enemy's advance would bring them to the first joint of the thumb.
There they would receive Lomax's fire in front; Wickham's in flank; and
Breathed's transversely. The cross fire on that point, over which the
enemy must pass, would be deadly. Take a pencil, reader, and draw the
diagram, and lines of fire. That will show Stuart's excellent design.
Stuart had reached Yellow Tavern, and made his dispositions before the
arrival of Sheridan, who was, nevertheless, rapidly advancing by the
Mountain road.
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