One word brought on another, until, finally, I told him that I could whip Stuart if he (Meade) would only let me, but since he insisted on giving the cavalry directions without consulting or even notifying me, he could henceforth command the Cavalry Corps himself--that I would not give it another order.
The acrimonious interview ended with this remark, and after I left him he went to General Grant's headquarters and repeated the conversation to him, mentioning that I had said that I could whip Stuart.

At this General Grant remarked: "Did he say so?
Then let him go out and do it." This intimation was immediately acted upon by General Meade, and a little later the following order came to me: "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC "May 8th, 1864 1 P.M.
"GENERAL SHERIDAN, "Commanding Cavalry Corps.
"The major-general commanding directs you to immediately concentrate your available mounted force, and with your ammunition trains and such supply trains as are filled (exclusive of ambulances) proceed against the enemy's cavalry, and when your supplies are exhausted, proceed via New Market and Green Bay to Haxall's Landing on the James River, there communicating with General Butler, procuring supplies and return to this army.

Your dismounted men will be left with the train here.
"A.

A.HUMPHREYS, "Major-General, Chief-of-staff." As soon as the above order was received I issued instructions for the concentration of the three divisions of cavalry at Aldrich's to prepare for the contemplated expedition.

Three days' rations for the men were distributed, and half rations of grain for one day were doled out for the horses.