Sheridan knew how to handle men.

While the sentinels, rifle on shoulder, walked up and down a little distance away, a dozen eager faces were soon poring over the map, Shepard filling in details as to the last little hill or brook.
"Since we know where they are and how many they are," said Sheridan, "we'll make a big demonstration in front of Fisher's Hill, where Early's works are too strong to be carried, and while we keep him occupied there we'll turn his left flank with a powerful force, marching it just here into the open space that Mr.Shepard's map shows.

Tomorrow--or rather today, for I see the dawn comes--will be a day of great noise and of much burning of powder.

But behind the curtain of smoke we'll make our movements.

Merritt with his cavalry shall go to the right and Averill will go with him.