The same day Sherman was directed to get his forces up ready to advance on the 5th.

Sigel was in Winchester and was notified to move in conjunction with the others.
The criticism has been made by writers on the campaign from the Rapidan to the James River that all the loss of life could have been obviated by moving the army there on transports.

Richmond was fortified and intrenched so perfectly that one man inside to defend was more than equal to five outside besieging or assaulting.

To get possession of Lee's army was the first great object.

With the capture of his army Richmond would necessarily follow.