Chapter 56: JEB Stuart Is Killed at Yellow Tavern

To further harass Lee, Grant sends a 12,000 man cavalry force under Philip Sheridan around the Confederates at Spotsylvania and 50 miles south toward Richmond. In response, Lee detaches JEB Stuart and 4,500 troops to guard the capital.

Around noon on May 11 a battle ensues some 6 miles north of Richmond at Yellow Tavern, an abandoned three story inn with yellow siding.

While greatly outnumbered, the Grays hold off for three hours until a charge of the 1st Virginia Cavalry ends after JEB Stuart is struck by a revolver bullet that enters the right side of his abdomen and perforates his intestines. He survives in agony for another 72 hours before passing on May 12.

After this victory, Sheridan eventually cycles back to rejoin Grant as Spotsylvania.