Grant was general-in-chief of all the Union armies, and George Meade was still commander of the Army of the Potomac. Meade had graciously stood back, saying that he was content to serve in whatever capacity Grant desired, but the recently arrived man from the West continued Meade in his position. This allowed Grant to direct overall strategy, relieving him of the day-to-day business of running the Army of the Potomac.

Figures vary, but it seems that Meade soon had the Army of the Potomac up to roughly 115,000 men and that these were the most seasoned and professional that the army had ever seen. Equipped with the latest and best rifles, outfitted with the best tents that money could buy, the men of the Army of the Potomac were in, by far, the best shape they had ever experienced. This was the massive force that was to “go for Lee.”