Since Sheridan’s very successful raid north of the James, the
enemy are left dependent on the southside and Danville roads for all of their supplies.
These I hope to cut next week. Sheridan is at ‘white house” shoeing up and resting
his cavalry. I expect him to finish by Friday night and to start the following morning.
via Long Bridge, New Market, Bermuda Hundred and the extreme left of the army around
Petersburg. He will make no halt with the armies operating here, but will be joined by a
division of cavalry, 5500 strong from the Army of the Potomac, and will proceed directly to the
S.S. and Danville roads. His instructions will be to strike the S.S. road as near
Petersburg as he can and destroy it so [page 202 ends] that it cannot be repaired for
three or four days and push on to the Danville Road as near to the Appomattox as he can
go. Then I want him to destroy the road towards Burkesville as far as he can; then push
onto the S.S Road. west of Burkesville and destroy it effectually. From that point, I
should probably leave it to his discretion either to return to this army crossing the
Danville Road south of Burlesville or go and join you passing between Danville in
Greensboro?

When this movement commences, I shall move out by my left with all the force I can, holding present entrenched lines. I shall start with no distinct view further than holding Lee’s forces from following Sheridan. But I shall be along myself and will take advantage of anything that turns up. If Lee detaches, I will attack or if he comes out of his lines, I will endeavor to repulse him and follow it up to the best advantage. It is most difficult to understand what the rebels intend to do. So far but few troops have been detached from these army. Much machinery has been removed and material has been sent to Lynchburg. showing a disposition to go there. Points too have been fortified on the Damville road.

Lee’s army is much demoralized and are deserting in great
numbers. Probably from returning prisoners and such conscripts as can be picked up
because numbers may be kept up. I estimate his force now at about 65,000 men.

John y Simon, the papers of Ulysses s. grant, volume 14; February 21-April 30, 1865 (Southern Illinois university press, 1985 pages 202-203)