Transcript:
City Point, Va, Feb. 7th/65
Maj. Gen. Meade,
The idea I intended to convey was that we should hold permanently out to Hatcher’s Run fortifying as you think best, but destroying no works already made. Then when we came to make a general move against the enemy we would hold our present line and abandon all the new works outside of them. You have been over the ground when our troops now are and I have not. Take up such line for permanent occupation as you think will best secure our purposes. I thought likely we should hold from our present left to Armstrong’s Mill. The Cavalry could then picket down Hatcher’s Run and cover our rear easier than at present. In view of the bad weather the troops had better to get back into the position you intend them to occupy. It will be advisable to send this order to alarm at once so as to avoid any further attack unless promising great advantage to us.
U.S. Grant
Lt. Gen.
Citation: Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885), autograph letter signed to George G. Meade. City Point, Va., 7 February [18]65. AMs 542/10