When Grant evaded Lee at Spotsylvania, the Southerners took up a defensive position at the North Anna River. After Union forces successfully pushed back Confederate defenders on May 23, Lee formed his line into an "inverted V" near the river. To attack, Grant would have to divide his army in three. Confederates repulsed Federal attacks on May 24, but Lee, sick with dysentery, failed to strike a decisive blow. Grant, realizing the trap Lee had set, disengaged and made another turning movement.