Sheridan moved very light, carrying only four days' provisions with him, with a larger supply of coffee, salt and other small rations, and a very little else besides ammunition.
They stopped at Charlottesville and commenced tearing up the railroad back toward Lynchburg.

He also sent a division along the James River Canal to destroy locks, culverts etc.

All mills and factories along the lines of march of his troops were destroyed also.
Sheridan had in this way consumed so much time that his making a march to White House was now somewhat hazardous.

He determined therefore to fight his way along the railroad and canal till he was as near to Richmond as it was possible to get, or until attacked.

He did this, destroying the canal as far as Goochland, and the railroad to a point as near Richmond as he could get.