[
1077]
Sheridan's two divisions of cavalry, might have led to the dispersal of
Lee's army.
Both
Generals Grant and
Meade are intensely disgusted with these failures of
Wright and
Warren.
Meade says a radical change must be made, no matter how unpleasant it may be to make it; but I doubt whether he will really attempt to apply so extreme a remedy.
Meanwhile the two corps have been ordered to withdraw from the lines before the enemy, and take up a position in reserve behind
Sheridan.
This will give us a heavy movable column for attack or defence under a general who obeys orders without excessive reconnoitring. . . .
[no. 66. see page 687.]
I grieve for the delays.
Time is the essence of this movement.
I doubt not the delays were necessary, but now push and get the
Appomattox between you and me. Nothing has passed down the railroad to harm you yet.
[no. 67. see page 690.]
My Dear General:--In response to your request that I should put in writing a statement as to my action as one of your staff officers on the 15th of June, 1864, in connection with the movement upon
Petersburg by a portion of the Army of the James upon that day, I have the honor to say:--
Gen. Win.
T. Smith ( “
Baldy”
Smith), commanding the Eighteenth Army Corps of the Army of the James, was ordered by you, as the majorgeneral commanding that army, to move upon
Petersburg early on that day. His action and that of his forces under his command were most anxiously waited for by you, during the long hours of the forenoon and well into the afternoon.
Becoming impatient at not hearing that he had assaulted the works of the enemy before that city, you directed me, about three o'clock in the afternoon, to ride to
General Smith, to ascertain why nothing had been heard from him, and why he had not made the assault.
I was also directed to say to
General Smith that it was your order that an immediate assault should be made upon the intrenched lines before
Petersburg.
In compliance with these instructions I made the ride from the
Bermuda Hundred front to
Smith's forces, whom I found were before the enemy's intrenchments.
Inquiring for
General Smith at his Headquarters,
