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I've read a number of accounts of the field relief of Warren from the command of the V Corps by Sheridan at the Battle of Five Forks. Most recently was the account presented by Joshua Chamberlain in his book, The Passing of the Armies. Warren was later exonerated long after the war was concluded, but by then the damage to his reputation and career had been done. Chamberlain presents a good, detailed recounting of Warren's actions at the battle and, more, importantly, the command environment occasioned by Grant's insistence that Sheridan have the overall command responsibility for the late May strike that was culminated in the battle. There's no doubt that Sheridan thought that he knew what was required to crack open Lee's far right flank, but some of his decisions of May 31st, just prior to the final assault beg closer examination, especially his defensive halt at Dinwiddie Court House that evening. V corps had all but secured the White Oak Road line before Sheridan called for help from Warren.
History records the fall of the Confederate line at Five Forks as the beginning of the end for Lee's army and the Confederate government. The man most responsible for that victory came to be Sheridan. But may we say he did so in spite of himself? Or had Warren fallen victim to his own penchant for becoming too involved in divisional affairs?
_________________ General Jos. C. Meyer, ACWGC
Union Army Chief of Staff
Commander, Army of the Shenandoah
Commander, Army of the Tennessee
(2011-2014 UA CoA/GinC)
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