City Point, Va. March 21, 1865
Maj. Gen. P. H. Sheridan
Com’dg Middle Military Division
General:
I do not wish to hurry you, and besides fully appreciate the necessity of both having your horses well shod and well rested before starting again on another long march. But there is now such a possibility, if not probability of Lee and Johnston attempting to unite, that I feel extremely desirous not only of cutting the lines of communication between them but of having a large and properly commanded cavalry force ready to act with in case such an attempt is made. I think that by Saturday next you had better start, even if you have to stop here to finish shoeing up
I will have a force moved out from north of the James, to take possession of Long Bridge crossing, and to lay a pontoon for you. Some of the troops will push up as far as Bottom Bridge if they do not meet with too much opposition. This move will not be made at the date indicated unless it is known that you are ready to start. It will be made earlier if you indicate a readiness to start earlier.
Stoneman started yesterday from Knoxville with a Cavalry force of probably 5000 men to penetrate S. W. Virginia as far towards Lynchburg as possible. Under his instructions he may strike from New river towards Danville. This however I do not expect him to do. Wilson started at the same time from Eastport towards Selma with a splendidly equipped Cavalry force of 12000 men. Canby is in motion and I have reason to believe that Sherman and Schofield have formed a junction at Goldsboro.
U. S. GRANT