Transcript:
City Point July 8th / 64
Maj. Gen. Meade,
Col. Comstock is going out this evening and will explain to you my idea. If the approaches are made it will be with the view of ultimately making an assault on the enemy’s lines, but I have always hoped to go through in Butler’s front so as to carry the North bank of Swift Creek. This however cannot be done until the 19th Corps arrives without giving up to much ground that we have already fought for. This would make no difference except in case of fail-ure to get through to Swift Creek. The advantages of commencing our regular approach on your front now would simply be that we would be that far advanced if we were compelled at last to advance in that way, and it would tend to divert the enemy from the proposed advance in Butler’s front. We ought by all means to cut the Weldon road so as to make it useless to the enemy. I think Wright’s two divisions should take the place of Hancock’s Corps and the latter should suport support the cavalry whilst it destroys the road down as far as Hicksford. The preparation for this I think should be make at once so as to start from your left by the night of the 10th.
U. S. Grant
Lt. Gen.
Citation: Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885), autograph letter signed to George G. Meade. City Point, Va., 8 July [18]64. AMs 357/23
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