Chapter 54: Grant Intends to Keep Moving South

Speculation has it that, after the Wilderness clash, Grant will follow his predecessors and turn back toward Washington to avoid being cut off by Lee in his rear. He responds with a clear cut message to his subordinates:

“I am heartily tired of hearing about what Lee is going to do. Go back to your command,
and try to think what we are going to do ourselves, instead of what Lee is going to do.”

Instead of turning, Grant announces on May 7 his intent to sidle east toward Spotsylvania Court House, keeping his army between Lee and Richmond. Spontaneous cheering follows from his soldiers, all too accustomed to prior retreats.