Battle of the Wilderness
The Battle of the Wilderness were a series of battles in which the Union seemed to lose each battle, but as opposed to past times when it would withdraw, the Union army under Grant continued its relentless march South.
After his victory in Chattanooga, Grant was bestowed the rank of Lieutenant General, a rank held previously by only General's Washington and Scott. Grant became the Commander and Chief of all US Army Forces, with his headquarters in the field. General Halleck stepped down to become the Chief of Staff. With his new title, Grant became the defacto Commander of the Army of the Potomac. He kept Meade as the direct commander, but took field command of the army. It was Grant’s goal to attack boldly, and continue to attack until he brought the Confederacy to its knees.
Grant reorganized the army. He placed Phil Sheridan in command of the cavalry, which he detailed to act as an independent arm of the army. On May 4th, Grant’s army effected a crossing of the Rapidan. Again, the army crossed over and headed into the Wilderness. Grant's plan was to head across the Wilderness, and emerge two days later, in the open land beyond.
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