diane
Retired User
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2010
- Location
- State of Jefferson
In both cases Sheridan had a huge numerical advantage and was facing little, if any, of the ANV's cavalry which had remained with Lee. (Early had the cavalry normally assigned to the Valley.)
The Appomattox Campaign was certainly the right time to unleash Sheridan.
How did Stuart's death affect the Shenandoah Campaign?
He was dead. At that point, I don't think anyone could prevent the destruction of the Shenandoah Valley, but Hampton with Early would have put a major cramp in Sheridan's style. It would have been a critical delay, at least. Hampton would have been a nightmare for Sheridan. But, after Stuart's death, Hampton had to be with Lee.