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

[467] a mile before they reached the point that had been lost in the morning. Then Griffin, with portions of Ayres and Crawford's commands, not only regained the original position held by Ayres, but drove the enemy to his breastworks, and secured a lodgment on the White Oak road. Thus Warren atoned for his fault.

Meanwhile, Lee had determined to send Pickett, with two of the best divisions of infantry and all the cavalry of the rebel army, to destroy the command of Sheridan. The rebel force thus accumulated was nearly eighteen thousand strong,¹ and the attack on Warren was doubtless intended to support the movement, and double up the entire national left. On the afternoon of March 30th, Pickett arrived at Five Forks, and, on the morning of the 31st, he advanced towards Dinwiddie, his principal column moving by the western road, and one division of cavalry on the direct road to the court-house. But Sheridan pushed out at the same time from Dinwiddie, with Merritt and Crook's commands, leaving Custer at the rear to guard the trains and the roads connecting with