On the morning of the 30th, all was ready for General Grant's great
blow. But the elements were hostile to the Federal side. In the night,
a heavy rain had fallen. All day on the 30th, it continued to rain, and
military movements were impossible. The two great opponents looked at
each other,--lines drawn up for the decisive struggle.
On the 31st, Grant was about to open the attack on Lee, when that
commander saved him the trouble. The Virginian seemed resolved to die
in harness, and advancing.
The corps of Humphreys and Warren had advanced from Dinwiddie
Court-House toward the Southside road, and Warren was in sight of the
White Oak road, when, suddenly, Lee hurled a column against him, and
drove him back. The Confederates followed with wild cheers, endeavoring
to turn the enemy's left, and finish them. But the attempt was in vain.
Federal re-enforcements arrived. Lee found his own flank exposed, and
fell back doggedly to the White Oak road again, having given the enemy
a great scare, but effecting nothing.
As he retired, intelligence reached him that Sheridan's cavalry were
advancing upon Five Forks. That position was the key of the whole
surrounding country. If Sheridan seized and occupied this great
_carrefour_, Lee's right was turned.
A column was sent without delay, and reached the spot to find Sheridan
in possession of the place.
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