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

‘ [460] corps, and give you that.’ It has been seen how anxious Grant always was to consult the wishes of his generals in providing them with subordinates. Sheridan evidently did not want the Fifth corps, doubtless because he was aware of the idiosyncracies of its commander; and Grant desired to regard his preference. Events, however, settled the point for them all.

On the morning of the 31st of March, Warren was on the extreme left of the infantry, in the angle between the White Oak and the Boydton roads. On account of the rains and the consequent condition of the ground, it was not intended to make any movement this day; but it was understood that the Second corps would be withdrawn from the line and sent to Sheridan at night. Warren had been notified that the enemy was in force on his left, and that an attack on him was not improbable. On the 30th, Grant said to Meade: ‘From what General Sheridan reports of the enemy on White Oak road, and the position of his cavalry to-night, I do not think an attack on Warren's left in the morning improbable. I have notified Sheridan of this, and directed him to be prepared to push on to his assistance if he is attacked. Warren, I suppose, will put himself in the best possible position to defend himself, with the notice he has already received; but, in addition to that, I think it will be well to notify him again of the position of Sheridan's cavalry, what he reports the enemy's position on the White Oak road, and the orders he has received.’

Meade obeyed these orders, forwarded a copy of Sheridan's dispatch to Warren, and gave him full instructions. He had already directed Warren to