These roads unite just outside the town.

This made it necessary for McClernand to divide his force.

It was not only divided, but it was separated by a deep ravine of the character above described.

One flank could not reinforce the other except by marching back to the junction of the roads.

McClernand put the divisions of Hovey, Carr and A.J.Smith upon the right-hand branch and Osterhaus on the left.