Sheridan Arrives

General Philip Sheridan reached the battlefield after his famous ride from his headquarters in Winchester. Along the way he ordered Captain, and future U.S. President, William McKinley to stop retreating units and direct them back to the fighting. Near this point, Sheridan assessed the situation, rejected all suggestions to retreat, and rode the length of his battle lines to restore his men's morale. Soon after, he began planning a counterattack, and by early afternoon his units were in place, he and his commanders had a plan, and they were ready to attack. A Union soldier recalled that the men sprang to their feet and cheered, hope and confidence returned at a bound, and all burned to attack the enemy, drive him back, and retrieve their honor because every man knew that Sheridan would do it.

Virginia · United States