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had been frustrated by Sheridan's prompt advance into the Valley, and Grant's operations north of the James.1
Sheridan had moved from Halltown on the 10th of August, and Early at once fell back as far as Strasburg, to which point he was followed by the national army, both forces arriving at Cedar creek on the 12th.
On the 13th, Early retired a few miles further, to Fisher's Hill.
Anderson meanwhile had arrived at Culpeper, where he received a despatch from Early, calling for reinforcements.
He at once set out with his whole command, and crossing the Blue Ridge at Chester's Gap, arrived on the 15th, at Front Royal, about ten miles east of Strasburg.
The road between was held by Sheridan; but Masanutten mountain also intervened, and concealed the presence of Anderson.
FitzLee therefore rode across the mountain in person to communicate with Early, and preparations were made for a combined attack on Sheridan.
A plan of battle was actually arranged.
But Sheridan had been already warned: for Grant's opportune despatch of the 12th had arrived, announcing the addition to the enemy's force;2 and on the 17th, when the two rebel columns advanced, the national
1 ‘The intention, so far as I can learn, was to send a column direct from Culpeper to the Potomac, and Early to advance at the same time from Martinsburg. This was frustrated by Early being compelled to fall back, and your operations on the north side of the James.’—Sheridan to Grant, August, 20.
2 See Vol. II., pp. 507 and 510. ‘The receipt of this despatch was very important to me, as I possibly would have remained in uncertainty as to the character of the force coming in on my flank and rear, until it attacked the cavalry.’—Sheridan's Official Report.
New York Appleton 1885.
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