The next day our troops advanced again and established themselves, intrenching a new line about a mile in front of the enemy.

This advanced Warren's position on the Weldon Railroad very considerably.
Sheridan having driven the enemy out of the valley, and taken the productions of the valley so that instead of going there for supplies the enemy would have to bring his provisions with him if he again entered it, recommended a reduction of his own force, the surplus to be sent where it could be of more use.

I approved of his suggestion, and ordered him to send Wright's corps back to the James River.

I further directed him to repair the railroad up the Shenandoah Valley towards the advanced position which we would hold with a small force.

The troops were to be sent to Washington by the way of Culpeper, in order to watch the east side of the Blue Ridge, and prevent the enemy from getting into the rear of Sheridan while he was still doing his work of destruction.
The valley was so very important, however, to the Confederate army that, contrary to our expectations, they determined to make one more strike, and save it if possible before the supplies should be all destroyed.
Reinforcements were sent therefore to Early, and this before any of our troops had been withdrawn.