Soon after midnight,
May 3-4, '64, was inaugurated Grant's Campaign--the longest, but the
last, of the War.
The Army of the Potomac moved off their five months' camping ground,
thereafter to realize that armies could move without regard to seasons.
Pontoons were thrown across the Rapidan, principally at Germania and
Ely's Fords.
Passed over the battle ground of just a year before, at
Chancellorsville, and came well into the Wilderness on the
5th. At 9 o'clock, Hancock was ordered to the support of Getty's
Division, the 2d of the 6th Corps, who had run against the enemy on the
Orange Plank and Turnpike Roads.
The woods and narrow roads prevented Hancock from getting into position
until 4 o'clock, when he sent Birney's and Mott's Divisions to Getty's
support, and saved him from a rout.
Fighting continued until dark.
Grant's disposition of the troops placed Hancock in command of about
one-half the Line, and thus located, he was ordered to attack at 4
o'clock the morning of the 6th, subsequently changed, at Meade's
suggestion, to 5 o'clock. The movement was prompt, and to the left of
the Orange Plank Road.