![[CIVIL WAR]. GRANT, Ulysses S. Autograph letter signed ("U.S. Grant") to Major General George Gordon Meade, City Point, VA., 16 March 1865. 1 page, 4to, Head Quarters Armies of the United States stationery, in fine condition](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2003/NYR/2003_NYR_01246_0049_000(061243).jpg?w=1)
Details
[CIVIL WAR]. GRANT, Ulysses S. Autograph letter signed ("U.S. Grant") to Major General George Gordon Meade, City Point, VA., 16 March 1865. 1 page, 4to, Head Quarters Armies of the United States stationery, in fine condition
GRANT ORDERS UP, INCLUDING AFRICAN-AMERICAN REGIMENTS, FOR THE FINAL PUSH ON PETERSBURG
An interesting letter in which Grant directs the commander of the Army of the Potomac to move forward with his plans to bring troops up from the Union supply depot at City Point for use on the front at Petersburg. After nine months of seige, Grant had successfully extended his lines to nearly cut off Robert E. Lee's army from outside sources of supply. The Confederate Army, surviving on meager rations, was increasingly less able to properly defend its network of trenches around Petersburg. Knowing that victory was near, Grant began preparations for a final spring offensive to break the Confederate lines and end the war.
Grant writes: "Make the changes you deem proper in the Garrison of City Point. Have all the returns of troops here sent to you. In making changes, leave with General [Marsenius] Patrick the regiment which he has always had with him. There are three Colored regiments at City Point, one under the Quartermaster. This I will have retained, but the others I will order back to the 25th Corps. It will be necessary to replace it with a battalion."
The 25th Army Corps, formed on 3 December 1864, was the last Union corps to be created during the war. Composed entirely of African- American regiments, the 25th played an active role in the siege of Petersburg under the leadership of Major General Godfrey Weitzel. When Richmond fell in early April, the men of the 25th Corps were the first African-American soldiers to enter the city.
GRANT ORDERS UP, INCLUDING AFRICAN-AMERICAN REGIMENTS, FOR THE FINAL PUSH ON PETERSBURG
An interesting letter in which Grant directs the commander of the Army of the Potomac to move forward with his plans to bring troops up from the Union supply depot at City Point for use on the front at Petersburg. After nine months of seige, Grant had successfully extended his lines to nearly cut off Robert E. Lee's army from outside sources of supply. The Confederate Army, surviving on meager rations, was increasingly less able to properly defend its network of trenches around Petersburg. Knowing that victory was near, Grant began preparations for a final spring offensive to break the Confederate lines and end the war.
Grant writes: "Make the changes you deem proper in the Garrison of City Point. Have all the returns of troops here sent to you. In making changes, leave with General [Marsenius] Patrick the regiment which he has always had with him. There are three Colored regiments at City Point, one under the Quartermaster. This I will have retained, but the others I will order back to the 25
The 25th Army Corps, formed on 3 December 1864, was the last Union corps to be created during the war. Composed entirely of African- American regiments, the 25th played an active role in the siege of Petersburg under the leadership of Major General Godfrey Weitzel. When Richmond fell in early April, the men of the 25th Corps were the first African-American soldiers to enter the city.