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

[563] and had some difficulty in making themselves known. The men would hardly believe that the generalin-chief was riding at night, comparatively unattended, so near the rebel lines. It was still some distance from Sheridan's Headquarters, and the weary cavalrymen were bivouacked along the road. Grant and his party picked their way among them, if possible not to rouse the sleepers, and finally arrived at Sheridan's camp.

He found the cavalry commander more than anxious lest Lee should effect his escape. The Sixth corps had arrived at six o'clock, and was placed by Meade on the right of the army, but no arrangement had been made to advance before morning. Grant's first dispatch was to Ord: ‘In the absence of further orders,’ he said, ‘move west at eight A. M. tomorrow, and take position to watch the roads running south between Burksville and Farmville. I am strongly of opinion Lee will leave Amelia to-night to go south. He will be pursued at six A. M. from here, if he leaves. Otherwise, an advance will be made upon him where he is.’

At 10.30 P. M., he said to Meade: ‘Your orders for to-morrow will hold good, in absence of others. It is my impression, however, that Lee will retreat during the night, and if so, we will pursue with vigor. I would go over to see you this evening, but it is late, and I have ridden a long distance to-day.’

After further consideration, however, Grant could not be easy until he had seen Meade. The position of the army seemed to him to invite the escape of Lee. Meade's orders all contemplated a movement by the right flank, and his dispositions were entirely correct, looking to attack and pursuit in the morning;