He sincerely hoped that Early would not await them at Staunton or anywhere else, but would take his futile forces out of the valley and join Lee.
The heavy rains began again.

Winter was breaking up and its transition into spring was accompanied by floods.

The last snow on the mountains melted and rushed down in torrents.

The roads, already ruined by war, became vast ruts of mud, but Sheridan was never daunted by physical obstacles.

The great army of cavalry, scarcely slacking speed, pressed forward continually, and Dick knew that Early did not have the shadow of a chance to withstand such an army.
The next day they entered Staunton, another of the neat little Virginia cities devoted solidly and passionately to the Southern cause.