Major-General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Mead, October 22, 1864

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

Letter from James River

NEW YORK, May 28 – The Fortress Monroe correspondent of the Philadelphia Press under date of the 26^th, says that E. A. Stevens (Naugatuck) arrived last night from City Point.

She brings official dispatches for the Navy Department.

Our fleet on the James River is ready to make another attack of Fort Darling on Drury’s bluff as soon as the order is given.

The rebels have increased their forces very considerably on the south bank of the James river from City Point to Richmond and have forced the inhabitants at City Point and vicinity to retire to the interior.

The rebels seem to dread an attack upon Petersburg and are improving the defenses on the Appomattox river.

Beauregard visited Richmond not to take command there, but to confer with the rebel leaders concerning his future operations in the West.  It is said he reached the rebel capital only after overcoming extraordinary difficulties and doubts are expressed concerning his capacity on going to his army.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 3