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

‘ [550] river. . . . Crook has, no doubt, reached the Danville road before this, and I am moving with the Fifth corps from Deep creek as rapidly as possible in the direction of Amelia court-house.’ Grant forwarded a copy of this to Meade, and directed him: ‘If you cannot find roads free from trains, let your troops pass them and press on, making as long a march to-day as possible.’ At the same time he instructed Meade to turn the Ninth corps into the Cox road, to guard the railway in the rear of Ord.

At 2.30 P. M., Meade replied: ‘The necessary orders have been sent to General Parke, who has now one division on the Cox road. . . . I have also directed General Wright to push ahead with his command as far to-day as is consistent with its efficiency, and, if necessary, turning the Fifth corps and cavalry trains out of the road till he has passed.’ Meade, however, considered that there was no emergency calling for a night march. The Second corps arrived at Deep creek between seven and eight o'clock. The men were fatigued, having been marching, working, or standing for fourteen hours; they were out of rations, expecting to receive them during the night. Meade, therefore, directed Humphreys to go into bivouac.

During the day Grant got important news. Two railroad trains loaded with supplies were on the way from Danville for Lee's army, and had been run up the road to Farmville. He sent the information at once to Sheridan. ‘It was understood,’ he said, ‘that Lee was accompanying his troops, and that he was bound for Danville by way of Farmville. Unless you have information more positive of the ’