August 21, 1864: U.S. Grant to George Meade

Transcript:

City Point Va. Aug. 21^st / 64 10. am

Maj. Gen. Meade,

Your dispatch of 9.30 pm. just received. I sent you a dispatch in cipher from which you will use when received that I do not expect offensive operations tomorrow except in care of a success in Butler’s front making it practicable. If we can retain hold of the rail-road it will be a great advantage. Has much of the rail-road been destroyed? After the men get well rested it will be well to support the Cavalry with a division of Infantry to destroy as much of the road as we can if an advantage is not gained in the mean time making it unnecessary. If Butler does not succeed in the morning he will relieve the 18^th Corps from the lines leaving it loose. With that as a reserve our lines will be strong.

U. S. Grant

Lt. Gen.

Citation: Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885), autograph letter signed to George G. Meade. City Point, Va.,21 August [18]64. AMs 357/25.