It was necessary to wait until they had dried sufficiently to enable us to move the wagon trains and artillery necessary to the efficiency of an army operating in the enemy's country.

The other consideration was that General Sheridan with the cavalry of the Army of the Potomac was operating on the north side of the James River, having come down from the Shenandoah.

It was necessary that I should have his cavalry with me, and I was therefore obliged to wait until he could join me south of the James River.
Let us now take account of what he was doing.
On the 5th of March I had heard from Sheridan.

He had met Early between Staunton and Charlottesville and defeated him, capturing nearly his entire command.

Early and some of his officers escaped by finding refuge in the neighboring houses or in the woods.
On the 12th I heard from him again.