command again, sending a portion to hang upon my rear, while he

proceeded with the rest to Yellow Tavern. This separation not only

materially weakened the force which might have been thrown across my

line of march, but it also enabled me to attack with almost my entire

corps, while occupying the pursuers with a small rearguard.

By forced marches General Stuart succeeded in reaching Yellow Tavern

ahead of me on May 11; and the presence of, his troops, on the

Ashland and Richmond road becoming known to Merritt as he was

(Editor：world)