Summary:
General Grant writes General Sheridan in December, 1864, to discuss the importance of cutting the Virginia Central Railroad to Richmond. Grant urges disruption of communications if all Confederates retreat to Staunton.

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Maj. Gen. P. H. SHERIDAN,
Kernstown, Va.:

CITY POINT,

December 12, 1864

I think there is no doubt but all Gordon's and Pegram's divisions are here. The inhabitants of Richmond are supplied exclusively over the roads north of the James River. If it is possible to destroy the Virginia Central road it will go far toward starving out the garrison of Richmond. The Weldon road has been largely used until now, notwithstanding it has been cut to Stony Creek. It is now gone to Hicksford, and I think can be of no further use. If the enemy are known to have retired to Staunton, you will either be able to make a dash on the communications north of James or spare a part of your force. Let me know your views as to the best course to make a dash on the Central road and canal or to detach from your command.

U. S. GRANT,
Lieut.-Gen.

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Bibliographic Information : Letter Reproduced from The War of The Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, Volume 42, Serial No. 89, Pages 972-973, Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, NC, 1997.