Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, October 22, 1864.
Since I wrote to you we have received the news of Sheridan's
last victory — this time over Longstreet, and with an army that had been
surprised and driven in disorder for four miles. This certainly is very
remarkable, and if not modified by any later intelligence, will prove one of
the greatest feats of the war, and place Sheridan in a position that it will be
difficult for any other general to approach. We are now anxiously waiting to
hear of his having followed up his success and taken Gordonsville, when he can
destroy the railroad from Lynchburg to Richmond, which runs through
Gordonsville, and is called the Virginia Central Road. If he does this, he will
aid our operations here most materially, because, until that road is destroyed,
we cannot compel the evacuation of Richmond, even if we succeed in seizing or
breaking the Southside and the Danville Roads. I suppose, in a short time, a
movement will be made to get on the Southside Road and complete the investment
of Petersburg, from the Appomattox, below to above the town.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 235-6
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