16 June 1864
Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) (1822-1885)
Autograph letter signed
Title: to William Farrar Smith
Written in pencil near Petersburg, Virginia. Grant, Commander in Chief of the United States Army instructs Smith to push the reconnaissance in the front to attempt to ascertain a point from which to advance against Petersburg in the evening. Writes "Make all preliminary preparations for such an advance if ordered and at some time hold all your forces not necessary for holding your present line ready to reinforce the left in case of an attack from that direction." Instructs that in the absence of himself or General George Gordon Meade, General Winfield Scott Hancock will have command of all…
GLC00275