Griffin's division in backing to get out of the way of a severe cross fire of the enemy was found marching away from the fighting.

This did not continue long, however; the division was brought back and with Ayres's division did most excellent service during the day.

Crawford's division of the same corps had backed still farther off, and although orders were sent repeatedly to bring it up, it was late before it finally got to where it could be of material assistance.
Once there it did very excellent service.
Sheridan succeeded by the middle of the afternoon or a little later, in advancing up to the point from which to make his designed assault upon Five Forks itself.

He was very impatient to make the assault and have it all over before night, because the ground he occupied would be untenable for him in bivouac during the night.

Unless the assault was made and was successful, he would be obliged to return to Dinwiddie Court-House, or even further than that for the night.
It was at this junction of affairs that Sheridan wanted to get Crawford's division in hand, and he also wanted Warren.