Adam Badeau, Military history of Ulysses S. Grant from April 1861 to April 1865. Volume 2

Instead of moving, as Lee must have expected, if he made the remark attributed to him, behind and after the rebel army, Grant's idea from the first was to head and intercept his adversary. His plan was to move on the south side of the Appomattox and reach Burksville in advance of the enemy; and, instead of abandoning the railroads, Grant intended to put them in order as he marched. He knew already that the rebels must strike for Amelia courthouse, and they had hardly started when he directed Sheridan to cross their path. His dispatches and orders were full of these designs. On the 3rd of April, he said to Ord: ‘Efforts will be made to intercept the enemy, who are evidently pushing for Danville. Push south-west with your command.’ To Sheridan: ‘It is understood that the enemy will make a stand at Amelia court-house. . . . The first object of present movement will be to intercept Lee's army, the second to secure Burksville. I have ordered the railroad to be put in order up to the latter place.’ To Sherman: ‘It is my intention to take Burksville. The railroad from Petersburg can soon be put in order.’ To the President: ‘I want to cut off as much of the enemy as possible.’

The columns moved according to orders, Sheridan in advance, on the River and Namozine roads, followed by Griffin, and then Meade with Humphreys and Wright; the Ninth corps stretching along behind, while Ord marched direct for Burksville, on the line of the Southside railroad. The Second corps had now been restored to Meade's command.