The point on which the two columns, spoken of in the order of April 28,
were to unite, was suggested as somewhere on the Pamunkey; and the one
column was to go at once about its work, while the other masked its
march, and after joined it.
Under these orders, Stoneman proceeded to get the corps together,--the
distance of many outlying pickets delaying him almost a day,--and
finally crossed the Rappahannock by five P.M. of the 29th, a portion of
his troops using Kelly's Ford, in connection with Slocum's column.
He then assembled his division and brigade commanders, spread his maps
before them, and made them acquainted with his orders and plans.
Averell, with his own division, Davis's brigade of Pleasonton's division,
and Tidball's battery, was instructed to push for Culpeper Court House;
while Stoneman, with Gregg's division, Buford's reserve brigade, and
Robertson's battery, moved on Stevensburg.
It was expected that Averell would reach Brandy Station the same night
(29th), driving before him the enemy, who was in very small force in his
front. And when Stoneman got well on his way, he despatched Capt.
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