Campaigning with Grant.

Makes a good case for why he did it.
Also interestingly the author refutes claims that the soldiers at any time refused to attack when ordered to.
Two other telling statements:
As to Grant, "he could not select his ground for fighting in this continuous siege of fortified lines; for, though he and his chief officers applied all their experience and skill in endeavors to maneuver the enemy out of strong positions before attacking him, his foe was often too able and wily to fall into the trap set for him, and had to be struck in positions which were far from Grant's choosing."

There is also a quote from Lee during the battle, saying that he had "Not a regiment" of reserves:
adding, "if he should shorten his lines to make a reserve the enemy would turn him, and if he should weaken his lines to make a reserve they would be broken."

The implication being that Lee was holding by a thread and Grant was correct in calculating that if he could break Lee's lines the rewards would be worth the carnage.
 
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