Previous Efforts During the Petersburg Campaign
"In each offensive, Grant demonstrated patience in waiting for the right conditions as well as flexibility in trying new approaches. The extraordinary length of the Confederate front allowed him to vary the location, strength, and intensity of his advances ... [He] tried different combinations of movements and strengths, multipronged and single attacks, diversions, lunges at different locations along the rebel line, and different force sizes. However, he had yet to conjure a successful plan."
"Grant appreciated that the arithmetic of beans, bullets, and manpower favored him. However, he also understood that lack of progress & military failures could degrade Union will and destabilize Lincoln’s support. Excessive delay, or worse yet, disaster...in Virginia, could damage Lincoln at the polls."
"Even as the pressing need for military success waned, the Cedar Creek victory may have inspired Grant to consider a strike against Lee despite ample reasons for caution. Election or no, he would not hold back."
Day of Battle - October 27, 1864
"Grant had exercised his direct, hands-on command style...he rode directly to the key locations and consulted with the commanders... [he] took personal risks to examine conditions on the front firsthand. This ... helped him make reasonable choices."