early discovery of the movement and his concentration of troops on

the north side prevented Hancock from accomplishing the programme

laid out for him. Its impracticability was demonstrated early on the

27th, and Hancock's soldierly instincts told him this the moment he

unexpectedly discovered Kershaw blocking the New Market and Charles

City roads. To Hancock the temptation to assault Kershaw's position

was strong indeed, but if he carried it there would still remain the

dubious problem of holding the line necessary for my safe return, so