This retrograde movement would also enable me to strengthen my command by Grower’s division of the Nineteenth Corps and Wilson’s cavalry, both of which divisions were marching from Washington by way of Snicker’s Gap.

After fully considering the matter, I determined to move back to Halltown, carrying out, as I retired, my instructions to destroy all the forage and subsistence the country afforded.  So Emory was ordered to retire to Winchester on the night of the 15th, and Wright and Crook to follow through Winchester to Clifton the next night.

For the cavalry, in this move to the rear, I gave the following instructions: 

“....In pushing up the Shenandoah Valley, as it is expected you will have to go first or last, it is desirable that nothing should be left to invite the enemy to return.  Take all provisions, forage, and stock wanted for the use of your command.  Such as cannot be consumed, destroy.  It is not desirable that buildings should be destroyed—­they should, rather, be protected; but the people should be informed that so long as an army can subsist among them, recurrences of these raids must be expected, and we are determined to stop them at all hazards....” [Grant’s letter of instructions.]

“HEADQUARTERS MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,
“Cedar Creek, Va., August 16, 1864.

“GENERAL:  In compliance with instructions of the Lieutenant-General commanding, you will make the necessary arrangements and give the necessary orders for the destruction of the wheat and hay south of a line from Millwood to Winchester and Petticoat Gap.  You will seize all mules, horses, and cattle that may be useful to our army.  Loyal citizens can bring in their claims against the Government for this necessary destruction.  No houses will be burned, and officers in charge of this delicate but necessary duty must inform the people that the object is to make this valley untenable for the raiding parties of the rebel army.

“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.