By the evening of March 29, Grant has concentrated 50,000 men beyond Hatcher's Run on the Federal left. Sheridan is at Dinwiddie Court House with 10,000 cavalry, while Lee draws on his last reserves and sends Pickett with 11,000 men to hold Five Forks. The crossroads lies beyond the Confederate right and north of Sheridan, making it central to the attempt to protect the Petersburg line. Lee warns Jefferson Davis that Grant's move threatens the position and reduces the army's ability to remain there. The passage ends with preparations for a retreat from the James River.
Notable Point · 20:31-21:11
Five Forks puts Lee's Petersburg line at risk
Grant and Sheridan threaten the Confederate right at Five Forks, forcing Lee to warn Jefferson Davis that the Petersburg position may have to be abandoned.