The Washington herald., 1914-05-11

Fifty years ago today Gen. ]. Z. B
Stuart, the famous Confederate cavalr,
leader, was MORALLY wounded In an en-
gagement al, Yellow Tavern, near Rich
mond. between part Of his forces ant
those of Gen. Sheridan.
The less of Stuart to the Confederac,
was the result of a movement by th'
Federal cavalry that had begun on Ma,
9, near Spottsylvania Courthouse. wher'
the Federal army. under Grant, wa
confronting that of Lee. As the Federai'
were fearing an attack by Stuart or
their wagon trains. Gen. Sheridan hac
volunteered to draw of the enemy's cav
airy by starting on a raid toward Rich
mond. The sole objective of the move
ment was Stuarts command, as Sheri
dan had no intention of attacking Rich
mond.
Starting on the morning of May 3
Sheridan's column of 1o.oco horsemen hac
taken the Fredericksburg Richmond Tel
right flank of Lees army.
The column as il took up the marcf
on a bright and warm morning pre-
scented a picture the like of which had
never before been seen in the war. Al
the men rode slowly on in fours. wei
closed up, the length of the column wa.
thirteen miles Householders along tbs
road noted that IL was four hours IN
passing a given point
The column proceeded at walk most
of the day. 1t passed through Chiies-
burg in the afternoon and the leading
brigade. Clusters of Merritt's Division
pushed on to Beavers Dam Station on
the Virginia Central Railroad. Halted
at this station was a train bearing 81;
Union prisoners from the front to Rich
mond. When these captives saw theii
own cavalry they broke into wild cheers
The railroad station, three trains, two
locomotives. 100 cars, 10000 rations, and
medical stores for Lees army were de-
stroyed.
stuart Follows sheridan.
On the morning of May 10 Sheridan's
column had crossed the North Anna
River and was within twenty-five miles
of Richmond. Here forage for the ami
mails was obtained. 1t was greatly need.
ed. as they had set out with only a hall
days supply.
The object of the movement was al
ready attained. for Stuart. having
learned of Sheridan's passing through
Chilesburg had given hot pursuit. Al
the North Anna River his advance col
umn attacked the Federal rear guard,
though with little effect
Fearing for Richmond, Gen. Stuart now
changed his tactics, and. taking road
that would lead him around the Fed
erals, pressed on at killing pace to
get ahead of them.
While he was thus pressing his COM
mand to the limit OF its endurance,
Sheridan was proceeding leisurely, Sc
curing forage and supplies by the way,
and sending column to his left, 10
Ashland. on the Fredericksburg Railroad.
Its work accomplished. this column
rejoined the main command. and the
whole 1000 men bivouacked that night
pm the south hank Of the South Anna
River
Moving early on the morning of May
II, Sheridan's column took the road to
Richmond. The Federal general had
received news of Gen. Stuart's
purpose, and hoped to engage him.
His wish was granted, for on ap-
Yellow Tavern-where the
Road merges with the Noun
tain Road (Which. Sheridan was then onl
forming the Brook Turnpike-Sheridan'
leading division, Gen. A. T. Torbert's
then under Gen. Wesley Merritt, Torbert
being ilD. came upon a line of dismount-
I'd Confederates, who with a battery,
we're posted across the turnpike.
Fight at Yellow Tavern.
Merritt attacked, and after a sharp
light. drove the enemy from the turn
bike. They formed new line a few
hundred yards east of the road, and as
heir battery. enfiladed the turnpike the
Sederals made very little progress.
For about three hours there was des-
iltory fighting. Stuart had about 25N
men with him, the remainder of his
command of about 1900 not having come