Beschreibung:

GRANT, ULYSSES, S., President . Autograph letter signed ("U.S. Grant") as Lieutenant General, to Major General George Meade, n.p. [Dabney's Mill, southwest of Petersburg], "6:45 a.m.," 2 April 1865. 1 page, 8vo, in pencil, on Headquarters stationery, top third of letter cleanly separated, mounted on board . [ With :] An autograph letter signed by Frederick D. Grant, U.S. Grant's eldest son, verifying the authenticity of the preceding letter, 2 pages, 8vo, mounted . A WEEK BEFORE APPOMATTOX, GRANT PREPARES TO BREAK THE PETERSBURG SIEGE LINES Early on the day of the final breakthrough of Confederate lines around Petersburg, Grant directs Meade: "[General Horatio] Wright can put in every thing he has except the garrisons of inclosed works. [General E.O.] Ord is pushing by the shortest road to help Wright. I heard from [General 'Little Phil'] Sheridan at 12:30 this morning. He intended to start at day break and sweep the White Oak road and all North of it down to Petersburg..." On the previous day, Sheridan had broken the Confederate line at Five Forks, to the southwest of Petersburg. His decisive victory forced Lee to significantly weaken his main lines about Petersburg in order to send reinforcements to Pickett, near Five Forks. When Grant became aware of the opportunity which this offered, he ordered a general assault which was launched at 4:30 A.M. The first decisive breakthrough was by Wright's VI Corps near Fort Fisher, and the present order boldly confirms Grant's intention to allow Wright to press ahead with all troops at his disposal, with the additional support of E.O. Ord's command. The Confederate line rapidly disintegrated, and Lee informed Jefferson Davis early on this day that Petersburg and Richmond would have to be evacuated by nightfall. The Union Army pressed steadily forward, Petersburg and Richmond were abandoned that evening, and the pursuit of the Army of Northern Virginia continued until the ultimate surrender at Appomattox seven days later. (2)