LT. GEN. ULYSSES S. GRANT’S SPRING 1864 STRATEGY
1. First, to use the greatest number of troops practicable against the armed force of the enemy, preventing him from using the same force at different seasons against first one and then another of our armies, and the possibility of repose for refitting and producing necessary supplies for carrying on resistance; second to hammer continuously against the armed force of the enemy and his resources, until by mere attrition, if in no other way, there should be nothing left to him but an equal submission with the loyal section of our common country to the constitution and laws of the land.
2. The enemy has concentrated the bulk of his forces east of the Mississippi into two armies, commanded by Generals R. E. Lee and J. E. Johnston. These armies, and the cities covered and defended by them, will be the main objective points of the campaign.
a. Major General Meade’s objective point will be Lee’s army. Meade’s AOP will cross the Rapidan below Lee, moving by his right flank. The intention is to tight Lee between Culpeper and Richmond, should he make a stand. Should he fall back Meade’s army will follow and make a junction with Butler’s army on the James River.
b. Major General Sigel (Army of West Virginia) will organize his forces into two colutnns, one, commanded by himself, to advance to Cedar Creek to threaten the enemy in the Shenandoah Valley. The other column, commanded by Brigadier General George Crook, to take possession of Lewisburg and move down the Tennessee Railroad doing as much damage as possible.
c. Major General Butler (Army of the James) will collect all forces that can be spared from garrison duty, not less than 20,000 men, to operate on the south side of the James River, Richmond being the objective point. The first movement will be to take City Point and entrench. Petersburg will be taken and railroads will be destroyed as far south as possible.
