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

‘ [561] General Robert Lee is in the field near us. My trust is still in the justice of our cause and that of God. General Hill is killed. I saw Murray a few minutes since. Bernard Perry, he said, was taken prisoner, but may get out. I send this by a negro I see passing up the railroad to Mecklenburg. Love to all. Your devoted son, Wm. B. Taylor, Colonel.’

Meanwhile, Grant had advanced with the head of Ord's column, and by six o'clock he had arrived at a point half way between Nottaway court-house and Burksville. He gave the road to the troops, according to his custom, and was riding with his staff in a piece of woods, when a soldier in rebel uniform was brought up, just captured, who had asked to see the commanding general. One of Grant's staff recognized the man at once as a scout of Sheridan's, who had often brought messages before. He took from his mouth a piece of tobacco, in which was wrapped a small pellet of tinfoil. This, when opened, was found to contain a dispatch from Sheridan. It was in these words: ‘Jetersville, three P. M. I send you the enclosed letter, which will give you an idea of the condition of the enemy and their whereabouts. I sent General Davies' brigade this morning around on my left flank. He captured at Paine's cross-roads five pieces of artillery, about two hundred wagons, and eight or nine battle flags, and a number of prisoners. The Second army corps is now coming up. I wish you were here yourself. I feel confident of capturing the army of Northern Virginia, if we exert ourselves. I see no escape for Lee. I will put all my cavalry out on our left flank, except Mackenzie, who is on the right.’

Grant was not long, after this appeal, in deciding