Chapter 27:
- Grant directs Sheridan to move upon Charlottesville -- Sheridan recommends reduction of his command -- Lee reinforces Early—--Sheridan moves down the Valley -- Early follows -- cavalry battle at Tom's brook -- rout of the rebels -- Sheridan moves to Cedar creek -- Sheridan summoned to Wash. Ington -- Wright left in command -- Early determines to attack Sheridan's army -- topography -- battle of Cedar creek -- movement of Early, in night of October 18th -- assault on left of national army -- Wright driven back in confusion seven miles -- Sheridan arrives at Winchester on 18th -- rides towards Cedar creek on 19th -- turns the tide of fugitives—‘face the other way’ -- re-forms the line -- last attack of Early repulsed -- Sheridan attacks in his turn—--rout of the rebels -- magnitude of rebel disaster -- end of campaign in Shenandoah Valley -- Sheridan's military achievements and character -- faults of Early -- end of Early's career -- Grant's policy of destroying resources of the Valley -- justified by necessity, by results, and by course pursued by rebels -- Grant moves against Lee's communications -- instructions to Meade and Butler -- geography of country -- army of Potomac crosses Hatcher's run -- Warren fails to connect with Hancock -- Grant at Burgess's mill -- enemy's line found to extend further than expected -- Grant suspends operation -- returns to City Point, supposing connection made between Warren and Hancock -- enemy comes into gap between Fifth and Second corps -- gallant behavior of Egan -- repulse of rebels -- Butler moves against fortified works, contrary to orders -- repulse of Butler -- criticism of entire movement -- General remarks on Grant's operations before Petersburg.
While these events were passing in Georgia and on the James, Sheridan had advanced as far as Staunton and Waynesboroa, south of which points no rebel force at this time existed in the Valley. Until the 1st of October, he was occupied in
