My wishes were now reluctantly complied with, and I assigned him to the command of one of the corps under General Butler.

I was not long in finding out that the objections to Smith's promotion were well founded.
In one of my early interviews with the President I expressed my dissatisfaction with the little that had been accomplished by the cavalry so far in the war, and the belief that it was capable of accomplishing much more than it had done if under a thorough leader.

I said I wanted the very best man in the army for that command.

Halleck was present and spoke up, saying: "How would Sheridan do ?" I replied: "The very man I want." The President said I could have anybody I wanted.
Sheridan was telegraphed for that day, and on his arrival was assigned to the command of the cavalry corps with the Army of the Potomac.

This relieved General Alfred Pleasonton.