The National tribune., 1904-08-11

but not struck, the enemy's main line when
darkness stayed his further progress.
SHERIDAN AT DINwIDDlE C. II.
fantry, the column of horse under Sheri-
dan, sweeping more adventurous radius,
was manuvering further to the left. That
evening, after slight opposition, Sheridan
occupied Dinwiddie Courthouse, six miles
southwest of where the troops of Warren
and Humphreys lay on their arms.
Such was the situation of affairs on the
night of the 2th. The Union line was
unbroken from the Appomattox to Din
widdie Courthouse, and was in the follow
ing order: Parke, Wright, Ord, Hum
phreys, Warren, Sheridan. In the morning
Sheridan was 10 cut loose from the army
and start on a distant expedition against
the Southside and Danville Railroads. But
the Lieutenant-General now altered his
plan with respect TO the cavalry. II now
feel" wrote Gen. Grant to Sheridan, at
Dinwiddie. on the night Of the Doth, II
now feel like ending the matter, if it is
possible to do so. before going back | do
not want you, therefore. to cut loose and
60 after the enemy's roads at present In
the morning, push around the enemy, and
get on to his right rear. We will act all
together as one army here until it is seen
what can be done with the enemy"
LEES TRAGIC SITUATION.
If from some lofty tower of observation
one could that night have looked down
into the adverse lines, there would have
been seen within the Confederate camp a
strange stir. and amid the darkness a
nOiseless activity, and the outlines of NOV
ing masses; but the explanation would not
have been far to seek, for the head of
every column was turned westward.
S.,II Il ~
that day, it had not escaped his antag-
onist's quick perception, and, knowing
well how and where the blow would fall
Lee was already Fastening to interpose
such buckler of defence as would ward
off the stroke from that vital part agains,
which it was plainly directed.
The situation in which Lee now found
himself was almost tragic; and if even to
the gods there be something pleasing in
the spectacle Of brave man struggling
against fate, it will not be unlawful, while
according to the conduct of the Union com
| mander the admiration due the power and
perSistency that marked it, to feel like
sentiment for the unfaiing resource with
which the Confederate commander, hoping
against hope, comported himself in des
perate strait.
1t was essential that Lee should secure
the defense Of his right i'm so solid man
ner that the powerful column which Grant
had thrust out by the left should not pre-
vail against those vital lines whereon the
Confederates depended for their daily
food. 1t was at the same time indis
pensable that lie should maintain the long
| intrenched line that covered Petersburg
and Richmond, for his antagonist waril,
watched all its extent, if SO be there Nigh,
offer an opening to break through. From
his left, northeast of Richmond, to his
right. southwest of Petersburg, there wer.
30 miles Of breastwork which it behooved
Lee to guard, and all the force remaining
to him was 81 900 muskets and a sma
body Of broken-down horse. But one re
source remained-the oft-tried resource OF
| stripping his intrenched lines to the utter
| most. and with the force thus gathered