me to unite with him there, and that the two commands, after destroying the James River canal and the Virginia Central road, were to join the Army of the Potomac in the manner contemplated in my instructions from General Meade; and that in view of what was anticipated, it would be well to break up as much of the railroad as possible on my way westward.  A copy of his letter to Hunter comprised my written instructions.  A junction with this general was not contemplated when the expedition was first conceived, but became an important though not the paramount object after the reception of the later information.  The diversion of the enemy’s cavalry from the south side of the Chickahominy was its main purpose, for in the presence of such a force as Lee’s contracted lines would now permit him to concentrate behind the Chickahominy, the difficulties of crossing that stream would be largely increased if he also had at hand a strong body of horse, to gain the time necessary for him to oppose the movement at the different crossings with masses of his infantry.

The order calling for two divisions for the expedition, I decided to take Gregg’s and Torbert’s, leaving Wilson’s behind to continue with the infantry in its march to the James and to receive instructions directly from, the headquarters of the army.  All my dismounted men had been sent to the White House some days before, and they were directed to report to Wilson as they could be provided with mounts.

“Cold Harbor, Va., June 6, 1964.

“Major-general D. Hunter, Commanding Dept West Virginia.

“General Sheridan leaves here to-morrow morning with instructions to proceed to Charlottesville, Va., and to commence there the destruction of the Virginia Central railroad, destroying this way as much as possible.  The complete destruction of this road and of the canal on James River is of great importance to us.  According to the instructions I sent to General Halleck for your guidance, you will proceed to Lynchburg and commence there.  It would be of great value to us to get possession of Lynchburg for a single day.  But that point is of so much importance to the enemy, that in attempting to get it such resistance may be met as to defeat your getting into the road or canal at all.  I see, in looking over the letter to General Halleck on the subject of your instructions, that it rather indicates that your route should be from Staunton via Charlottesville.  If you have so understood it, you will be doing just what I want.  The direction I would now give is, that if this letter reaches you in the valley between Staunton and Lynchburg, you immediately turn east by the most practicable road until you strike the Lynchburg branch of the Virginia Central road.  From there move eastward along the line of the road, destroying it completely and thoroughly, until you join General Sheridan.  After the work laid out for General Sheridan and