If you have so understood it, you will be doing just what I want.

The direction I would now give is, that if this letter reaches you in the valley between Staunton and Lynchburg, you immediately turn east by the most practicable road.

From thence move eastward along the line of the road, destroying it completely and thoroughly, until you join General Sheridan.

After the work laid out for General Sheridan and yourself is thoroughly done, proceed to join the Army of the Potomac by the route laid out in General Sheridan's instructions.
If any portion of your force, especially your cavalry, is needed back in your Department, you are authorized to send it back.
If on receipt of this you should be near to Lynchburg and deem it practicable to detach a cavalry force to destroy the canal.
Lose no opportunity to destroy the canal.
U.S.GRANT, Lieut.-General.
(*36) FROM A STATEMENT OF LOSSES COMPILED IN THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE.
FIELD OF ACTION AND DATE.

| KILLED.