In November of 1863 General George Meade's Army of the Potomac withdrew into winter quarters for a season of watching and waiting. ("Wintering Over at Brandy Station")

"The feeling about Grant is rather peculiar - a little jealousy, a little dislike, a little envy, a little want of confidence - only brilliant success will dissipate the elements. If he succeeds, the war is over. For I do assure you that in the hands of a General who gave them success, there is no force on earth which would resist this Army."
- Captain Charles Francis Adams, Jr., 1st Massachusetts Cavalry

General Ulysses S. Grant was at his winter headquarters in Nashville on March 3, 1864, when he received word from Edwin Stanton, the Secretary of War, that he was to assume command of all the Union armies.