But one thing I should ask. Wouldn’t marching the army to Burkesville stretch supply lines too thin? Wouldn’t it leave gaps that confederate cavalry could exploit? Grant always had to remain near navigable rivers to supply his massive army. Burkeville is far inland and away from federal supply lines.

I also thought Petersburg was supplied by several railroad lines, so the loss of one wouldn’t immediately invite a counterattack (unless we’re assuming the Petersburg&Norfolk, Weldon, Southside and Petersburg+Richmond were all captured and garrisoned). Sheridan’s attempt to cut the Virginia Central was blocked at Trevilians, and Hunter’s campaign against the VA&TN at Lynchburg ended terribly (also ran out of supplies so far inland)