Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) (1822-1885) to William Farrar Smith
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00275 Author/Creator: Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) (1822-1885) Place Written: Petersburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 June 1864 Pagination: 2 p. ; 17 x 9.5 cm. Order a Copy
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 the troops near Petersburg. Written on Headquarters, Army of the Potomac stationery.
Union operations against Petersburg occurring 9 and 15-18 June 1864 failed. During the Battles of Petersburg I and II, Smith commanded the 18th Corps in the Army of the Potomac.
Head Quarters, Army of the U. States
Near Petersburg June 16th 1864, 10.30 o'clock, A. M.
Maj. Gen. W. F. Smith
Comd.g 18th A.C.
General
Push this reconnaisance in your front with the view of ascertaining the best point and manner of advancing this evening, at 6 pm, if such an advance should be ordered. Make all preliminary preparations for such an advance, if ordered and at same time hold all your forces not necessary for holding your present line ready [2] to reinforce the left in case of an attack from that direction. In the absence of myself and Gen. Meade Gen. Hancock, by virtue of Seniority, will have general command of all the troops now in position about Petersburg.
Resptly &c
U.S. Grant
Lt. Gen
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