April 1,1865
You will see the
April Fool was on the Rebels; for they did not know that, the night before, we
had sent down an entire corps of infantry (the 5th) to aid the worsted Sheridan.
Their infantry had contented itself with retiring from Sheridan's front,
half-way to the White Oak road, and going into camp with a precautionary
breastwork in their front. As they lay there, resting, Warren struck them in
the flank and swung round, even into their rear, while the cavalry charged
their front. After a brief but determined resistance, the enemy broke and fled
in wild confusion; 4000 and over were captured and a large part of the rest
hopelessly scattered in the woods. Thus our movement, which had begun in simple
advantage, now grew to brilliant success, and was destined to culminate, within
twenty-four hours, in complete victory.
We were up pretty
early, as usual, and at 6.30 A.M. were already at Grant's Headquarters. These
were close to Dabney's Mill, now marked only by a huge pile of sawdust — a
veteran battle-ground, marked by two considerable actions and many minor
skirmishes. Indeed that whole tract is a network of picket-pits and hasty
breastworks. After visiting Humphreys, on the Quaker road, we returned to the
Lieutenant-General's, and here it was that a note from Sheridan told that he
was driving the enemy. Grant folded the slip of paper, and, looking at Meade,
said, very quietly: “Very well, then I want Wright and Parke to assault to-morrow
morning at four o'clock.” These dozen words settled the fate of Petersburg and
of Richmond! It was midnight when General Warren suddenly came into our camp,
followed by only one Staff officer. I got him something to eat, but was
surprised to see no look of gratification at his victory to-day. Poor man! he
had been relieved from command of his Corps. I don't know the details, but I
have told you of the difficulties he has had with the General, from his
tendency to substitute his own judgment for that of his commanding officer. It
seems that Grant was much moved against him by this. The General had nothing to
do with it. I am sorry, for I like Warren.
SOURCE: George R. Agassiz, Editor, Meade’s
Headquarters, 1863-1865: Letters of Colonel Theodore Lyman from the Wilderness
to Appomattox, p. 332-4
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