William Swinton, Campaigns of the Army of the Potomac

To Lee paucity of numbers made economy of life so imperative a duty, that, though he was pushed by his temper and the necessities of his situation to attempt an aggressive policy, he knew well that he could only hope for such success as sudden swoops might bring, and that he was in no condition to attempt a general offensive. Hence, when he found himself foiled in the attack against the left of the infantry, he drew back with but slight effort to resist the countercharge of Warren, and sought some other favorable opening for a blow. Such an opening was presented by the cavalry of Sheridan, who, by manoeuvres now to be described, had gained a position that was very menacing to Lee's right flank.

From the position of Sheridan at Dinwiddie Courthouse the distance to the Five Forks was about eight miles due north; and from Five Forks the distance to Lee's intrenched line confronting Warren and Humphreys was but four miles east. Holding Five Forks, one holds the strategic key that opens up the whole region which Lee was now seeking to cover. Sheridan, appreciating the immense importance of this point, determined, notwithstanding the obstruction to the movements of cavalry caused by the storm that had overtaken the army, and the consequent increase of operations, to secure its possession. Nowise disconcerted by the failure of the attempt of the previous day, he, on the morning of the 31st, directed