"You see
if we don't! I know this country. It's a strong position there, and
both generals want it."
Dalton was right. A small Union force had already occupied Spottsylvania,
but the heavy Southern division crossing the narrow, but deep, river Po,
drove it out and seized the defensive position.
Here they rested, while the masses of the two armies swung toward them,
as if preparing for a new battlefield, one that Harry surveyed with great
interest. They were in a land of numerous and deep rivers. Here were
four spreading out, like the fingers of a human hand, without the thumb,
and uniting at the wrist. The fingers were the Mat, the Ta, the Po,
and the Nye, and the unit when they united was called the Mattopony.
Lee's army was gathering behind the Po. A large Union force crossed it
on his flank, but, recognizing the danger of such a position, withdrew.
Lee himself came in time. Hill, overcome by illness and old wounds,
was compelled to give up the command of his division, and Early took his
place. Longstreet also was still suffering severely from his injuries.
Lee had but few of the able and daring generals who had served him in
so many fields. But Stuart, the gay and brilliant, the medieval knight
who had such a strong place in the commander-in-chief's affections, was
there.
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