Halleck informed Sheridan that it was my wish for him to hold a forward position as a base from which to act against Charlottesville and Gordonsville; that he should fortify this position and provision it.
Sheridan objected to this most decidedly; and I was impelled to telegraph him, on the 14th, as follows: CITY POINT, VA., October 14, 1864 .-- 12.30 P.M.
MAJOR-GENERAL SHERIDAN, Cedar Creek, Va.
What I want is for you to threaten the Virginia Central Railroad and canal in the manner your judgment tells you is best, holding yourself ready to advance, if the enemy draw off their forces.

If you make the enemy hold a force equal to your own for the protection of those thoroughfares, it will accomplish nearly as much as their destruction.
If you cannot do this, then the next best thing to do is to send here all the force you can.

I deem a good cavalry force necessary for your offensive, as well as defensive operations.

You need not therefore send here more than one division of cavalry.
U.S.GRANT, Lieutenant-General.
Sheridan having been summoned to Washington City, started on the 15th leaving Wright in command.

His army was then at Cedar Creek, some twenty miles south of Winchester.