Todd’s Tavern

Todd’s Tavern. After two days on inconclusive fighting in the Wilderness, Union Gen. U.S. Grant determined to push on to Spotsylvania Court House, ten miles south. Possession of the roads near Spotsylvania would give the Army of the Potomac the inside track, forcing Lee to either attack or race it to Richmond using a longer route. Just as important, marching to Spotsylvania would get the Union army out of the Wilderness and into more open ground, where it could use its superior numbers to full advantage. . . Grant's men began their march to Spotsylvania after dark, May 7, 1864. The Fifth and Second Corp took the Brock Road (the same route you have been traveling); the Sixth and Ninth Corps followed roads farther to the east. Unknown to Grant, Lee's army was headed to Spotsylvania too. The outcome of the campaign would hinge on which army reached the town first. . . (Sidebar, copy of orders to General Meade from General Grant): . Headquarters Armies of the United States . May 7, 1864--6.30 a.m. . Major-General Meade, . Commanding Army of the Potomac: . General: Make all preparations during the day for a night march, to take position at Spotsylvania Court-House... . . U.S. Grant . Lieutenant-General.