the region in which I was to operate would soon be well fixed in my

mind. Meigs was familiar with every important road and stream, and

with all points worthy of note west of the Blue Ridge, and was

particularly well equipped with knowledge regarding the Shenandoah

Valley, even down to the farmhouses. He imparted with great

readiness what he knew of this, clearly pointing out its

configuration and indicating the strongest points for Confederate

defense, at the same time illustrating scientifically and forcibly