“Very respectfully,

“P.  H. Sheridan,
“Major-General Commanding.

“Brigadier-general A. T. A. Torbert,
“Chief of Cavalry, Middle Military Division.”

During his visit to General Hunter at the Monocacy, General Grant had not only decided to retain in the Shenandoah Valley a large force sufficient to defeat Early’s army or drive it back to Lee, but he had furthermore determined to make that sections by the destruction of its supplies, untenable for continued occupancy by the Confederates.  This would cut off one of Lee’s main-stays in the way of subsistence, and at the same time diminish the number of recruits and conscripts he received; the valley district while under his control not only supplying Lee with an abundance of food, but also furnishing him many men for his regular and irregular forces.  Grant’s instructions to destroy the valley began with the letter of August 5 to Hunter, which was turned over to me, and this was followed at intervals by more specific directions, all showing the earnestness of his purpose.

“City point, Va., Aug. 16—­3:30 P. M., 1864. 
“Major-general Sheridan, Winchester, Va.: 

“If you can possibly spare a division of cavalry, send them through Loudoun County to destroy and carry off the crops, animals, negroes, and all men under fifty years of age capable of bearing arms.  In this way you will get many of Mosby’s men.  All male citizens under fifty can fairly be held as prisoners of war, not as citizen prisoners.  If not already soldiers, they will be made so the moment the rebel army gets hold of them.

“U.  S. Grant, Lieutenant-General.”

“Headquarters armies of the united states,
“City point, Aug. 21, 1864.

“Major-general Sheridan, Charlestown, Va.: 

“In stripping Loudoun County of supplies, etc., impress from all loyal persons so that they may receive pay for what is taken from them.  I am informed by the Assistant Secretary of War that Loudoun County has a large population of Quakers, who are all favorably disposed to the Union.  These people may be exempted from arrest.

“U.  S. Grant, Lieutenant-General.”

“Headquarters armies of the united states
“City point, Va., Aug. 26,2:30 P. M. 1864.

“Major-general Sheridan, Halltown, Va.: 

“Telegraphed you that I had good reason for believing that Fitz Lee had been ordered back here.  I now think it likely that all troops will be ordered back from the valley except what they believe to be the minimum number to detain you.  My reason for supposing this is based upon the fact that yielding up the Weldon road seems to be a blow to the enemy he cannot stand.  I think I do not overstate the