No power in drive

I put in a battery but ground was too short I understand rewd it from side wall under battery holder. Started up fine I noticed the battery light and brake light were on. Last time that happened it was the alternator. I got a new one and battery and brake light went off. I got to a red light and car only sputtered I put it in neutral and it revved same in park. I pulled off put ground back. And same thing. I turned it off and tried to start. Nothing. I hooked battery then hooked it back up. Started drove until I slowed to a stop and same no power only in neutral and park.