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

‘ [482] without reinforcerments, and yours are the only ones that can be sent. Use every exertion to get troops to him as soon as possible. If necessary, send troops by both roads, and give up the rear attack. If Sheridan is not reinforced, and compelled to fall back, he will retire by the Vaughan road.’ This was written by Meade at 11.45 P. M. Warren became anxious after this, but his anxiety determined him to keep the two divisions of Griffin and Crawford where they were till he could learn that Ayres had certainly reinforced Sheridan.¹ ‘The men of the two divisions,’ he said, ‘were gaining, while waiting this result, a little of that rest they stood so much in need of, on this their fourth night of almost continual deprivation of it, and we had but a short distance to move before reaching the enemy near J. Boisseau's.’ At five minutes past two A. M. the bridge on the Boydton road was complete, and Ayres advanced; but the other two divisions remained ‘where they were’ till morning, ‘gaining a little of that rest they so much required.’

Grant, however, had done his part, and at 10.05 P. M., he said to Sheridan: ‘The Fifth corps has been ordered to your support. Two divisions will go by J. Boisseau's and one down the Boydton road. In addition to this I have sent Mackenzie's cavalry, which will reach you by the Vaughan road. All these forces except the cavalry should reach you by twelve M. to-night. You will assume command of the whole force sent to operate with you, and use it ’