It was a delicate move to get the right wing of the Army of the Potomac from its position south of the North Anna in the presence of the enemy.  To accomplish it, I issued the following order: 

Quarles’ Mills, Va., May 25, 1864.

Major general Meade, Commanding A. P.

Direct Generals Warren and Wright to withdraw all their teams and artillery, not in position, to the north side of the river to-morrow.  Send that belonging to General Wright’s corps as far on the road to Hanover Town as it can go, without attracting attention to the fact.  Send with it Wright’s best division or division under his ablest commander.  Have their places filled up in the line so if possible the enemy will not notice their withdrawal.  Send the cavalry to-morrow afternoon, or as much of it as you may deem necessary, to watch and seize, if they can, Littlepage’s Bridge and Taylor’s Ford, and to remain on one or other side of the river at these points until the infantry and artillery all pass.  As soon as it is dark to-morrow night start the division which you withdraw first from Wright’s corps to make a forced march to Hanover Town, taking with them no teams to impede their march.  At the same time this division starts commence withdrawing all of the 5th and 6th corps from the south side of the river, and march them for the same place.  The two divisions of the 9th corps not now with Hancock, may be moved down the north bank of the river where they will be handy to support Hancock if necessary, or will be that much on their road to follow the 5th and 6th corps.  Hancock should hold his command in readiness to follow as soon as the way is clear for him.  To-morrow it will leave nothing for him to do, but as soon as he can he should get all his teams and spare artillery on the road or roads which he will have to take.  As soon as the troops reach Hanover Town they should get possession of all the crossings they can in that neighborhood.  I think it would be well to make a heavy cavalry demonstration on the enemy’s left, to-morrow afternoon, also.

U. S. Grant, Lieut.-General.

Wilson’s division of cavalry was brought up from the left and moved by our right south to Little River.  Here he manoeuvred to give the impression that we were going to attack the left flank of Lee’s army.

Under cover of night our right wing was withdrawn to the north side of the river, Lee being completely deceived by Wilson’s feint.  On the afternoon of the 26th Sheridan moved, sending Gregg’s and Torbert’s cavalry to Taylor’s and Littlepage’s fords towards Hanover.  As soon as it was dark both divisions moved quietly to Hanover Ferry, leaving small guards behind to keep up the impression that crossings were to be attempted in the morning.  Sheridan was followed by a division of infantry under General Russell.  On the morning of the 27th the crossing was effected with but little loss, the enemy losing thirty or forty, taken prisoners.  Thus a position was secured south of the Pamunkey.