The Life And Letters Of George Gordon Meade, Major-General United States Army

George Meade...

6 minute read

Read Chapter

Part 1. Genealogy And Narrative To The Mexican War Letters 1815-1845

George Gordon Meade was born on the 31st of December, 1815, in the city of Cadiz, Spain, where his parents, who were citizens of the United States, were temporarily residing. His ancestors had been residents of the city of Philadelphia, in the Province of Pennsylvania, in colonial times. The First of whom there is any record was Robert Meade, the great-grandfather of George Gordon Meade. He was born in Ireland, and about the year 1732 we find him living in Philadelphia. He was a shipping and com

37 minute read

Read Chapter

Part 2. Mexican War Letters, 1845-1847

I trust you have not placed any fond hopes on seeing me come back from this place. I found on my arrival here this morning that there was nothing to be done but to proceed to the destination assigned me. Since leaving Philadelphia the news is more belligerent from Mexico, and though I have not the slightest fear of any hostilities on the part of the Mexicans, yet the existence of such reports renders it a point of honor for me to go. From all I can hear (for besides seeing many people who preten

7 hour read

Read Chapter

Part 3. Narrative From The End Of The Mexican War Letters Yo The Civil War Letters, 1847-1861

The part taken by Lieutenant Meade in the Mexican War is incidentally well indicated by the preceding letters. That his services were appreciated by his immediate superiors is amply proved by frequent mention of him in their official reports. As to the general impression which his character and ability produced, a man of sound judgment wrote from Washington: I have had great pleasure in learning here accounts of Mr. Meade, the same as you mention; that is to say, that he is in high estimation in

40 minute read

Read Chapter

Part 4. Civil War Letters, 1861-1865

I hope you will not be very much put out at not receiving a letter earlier from me, but I have really been very much occupied, and yesterday, in addition to other duties, we had a grand division review for the Prince de Joinville Third son of Louis Philippe, King of the French 1830-1848. and others. I was so sorry you and Sergeant Son of General Meade. had gone. The review passed off very well, pretty much the same as you saw, except that, having been advised of the arrival of the distinguished

7 hour read

Read Chapter

Part 5. Narrative Of The Battle Of Gettysburg I: The March To Gettysburg

On the afternoon of the same day on which this last letter was written, June 25, General Meade received the order of march for the following day, which was to bring his corps to Frederick City, Maryland. Accordingly, early in the morning of June 26, the corps started En route for that place, and going by way of Carter's Mill Not shown on map. and Leesburg, crossed the Potomac at the upper pontoon bridge, at Edwards's Ferry, and proceeded to within Four miles of the Monocacy, where it encamped fo

5 hour read

Read Chapter

Part 6. Civil War Letters, 1863-1865

I arrived here yesterday; the army is assembling at Middletown. I think we shall have another battle before Lee can cross the river, though from all accounts he is making great efforts to do so. For my part, as I have to follow and fight him, I would rather do it at once and in Maryland than to follow into Virginia. I received last evening your letters of the 3d and 5th inst., and am truly rejoiced that you are treated with such distinction on account of my humble services. I see also that the p

6 hour read

Read Chapter

Part 7. Narrative From The End Of The Civil War To General Meade's Death 1865-1872

A few days after the date of the preceding letter General Meade was joined in camp by his whole family, who had come to be present in Washington at the Grand Review, on May 23d, of the Army of the Potomac, preceding the disbandment of the troops. The principal reviewing stand was erected in front of the White House and occupied by the President, the members of the Cabinet, and other distinguished persons. At Nine o'clock the head of the column, led by General Meade, who commanded in person, acco

54 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix A: Document, Halleck To Meade, Mentioned In Letter Of July 8, 1863. See Page 132, Vol. II.

It gives me great pleasure to inform you that you have been appointed a Brig. Gen. in the Regular Army to rank from July 3rd, the date of your brilliant victory at Gettysburg....

20 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix B: Correspondence Between General Halleck And General Meade, After The Battle Of Gettysburg, July 7-10, 1863, Mentioned In Letter Of July 10, 1863. See Page 133, Vol. II.

I have received from the President the following note, which I respectfully communicate. We have certain information that Vicksburg surrendered to Genl. Grant on the 4th of July. Now, if Gen. Meade can complete this work, so gloriously prosecuted thus far, by the literal or substantial destruction of Lee's Army the rebellion will be over. Yours truly You have given the enemy a stunning blow at Gettysburg, follow it up and give him another before he can cross the Potomac. When he crosses circumst

9 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix C: Telegrams Between Halleck And Meade, Mentioned In Letter Of July 14, 1863. See Page 134, Vol. II.

I need hardly say to you that the escape of Lee's army without another battle has created great dissatisfaction in the mind of the President, and it will require an active and energetic pursuit on your part to remove the impression that it has not been sufficiently active heretofore. Having performed my duty conscientiously and to the best of my ability, the censure of the President conveyed in your dispatch of 1 P. M. this day, is, in my judgment, so undeserved that I feel compelled most respec

56 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix D.

My dear General: I have abstained from writing to you simply because I hear that you have no time to read letters— but I will say a word now, anyhow. I wish to offer you my sincere and heartfelt congratulations upon the glorious victory you have achieved, and the splendid way in which you assumed control of our noble old army under such trying circumstances. You have done all that could be done and the Army of the Potomac has supported you nobly. I don't know that, situated as I am, my opinion i

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix E

Gen. Crawford, and Officers of the Division of Pennsylvania Reserve Corps: I accept this sword with feelings of profound gratitude and with just pride. I should be insensible to all the generous feelings of humanity, if I were not proud and grateful at receiving a testimonial of approbation from a band of officers and men so distinguished as has been the Division of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps during the whole period of this war. I have a right, therefore, to be proud that such a body of sold

8 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix F Singular Revelations

(Wilkes' Spirit of the Times of August 29, 1863) In regard to> the Army of the Potomac (The following letter comes from a distinguished military writer who has had much observation in the Army of the Potomac, and whose opinions we can assure the readers of the Spirit are well worth noting. It was written to a personal friend in this city, and from his hands we obtain it.) My dear Sir: The Army of the Potomac— that army which has so often elevated men from mediocrity into greatness— that army

4 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix G Battle Of Gettysburg— Honor To Whom Honor Is Due

(Wilkes' Spirit of the Times, December 26, 1863) (From the Washington Republican) General Halleck, in his report of the operations of our armies in the field during the past year, in commenting upon the Battle of Gettysburg, says: To General Meade belonged the honor of a well-earned victory, in One of the greatest and best fought battles of the war. As a public journalist, we cannot allow such a record to be made in the face of the well-known history of the Battle of Gettysburg, now made classic

4 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix H: Newspaper Article, Attack On General Meade, Men- Tioned In Letter Of March 9, 1864. See Page 176, Vol. II. From Washington (Special Dispatch To The N. Y. Tribune)

The points made before the War Investigating Committee against Gen. Meade, who is substantially on trial before this congressional Commission, by the testimony of Gens. Sickles and Doubleday, are, that he gave and promulgated an order to his army to retreat from Gettysburg at the close of the First day's fight, when his superior strength, his advantage of position, and the honor and interests of the country, required him to give battle; that, in the forenoon of the Second day's fight— Thursday—

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix I: Newspaper Article, In Favor Of General Meade, Mentioned In Letter Of March 15, 1864. See Page 180, Vol. II. (The Round Table, A Weekly Record Of The Notable, The Useful And The Tasteful) (New York, Saturday, March 12, 1864) Ought General Meade To Be Removed?

This question is now absorbing the attention of the authorities at Washington, and soon will be, if it is not already, decided. The fatality that has attached to every commander of the brave Army of the Potomac has affixed itself to General Meade. The movement against him, at First only whispered among a few discontented subordinates in the army, has at last reached the capital, and has attained the dignity— if dignity it be— of an open opposition. The main movers appear to be General Daniel E.

5 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix J: Newspaper Article, Signed Historicus, Attack On General Meade, Mentioned In Letter Of March 15, 1864. See Page 180, Vol. II. (New York Herald, March 12, 1864) The Battle Of Gettysburg— Important Communication From An Eye-Witness— How The Victory Was Won And How Its Advantages Were Lost— Generals Halleck's And Meade's Official Reports Refuted &C., &C., &C

The Battle of Gettysburg is the decisive battle of this war. It not only saved the Capital from invasion, but turned the tide of victory in our favor. The opinion of Europe on the failure of the rebellion dates from this great conflict. How essential then, that its real history should be known. Up to this moment no clear narrative has appeared. The sketches of the press, the reports of Generals Halleck and Meade and the oration of Mr. Everett give only phases of this terrible struggle, and that

22 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix K: Newspaper Article, A Reply By A Staff Officer Of The Fifth Corps To A Newspaper Article Signed Historicus, Mentioned In Letter Of March 22, 1864. See Page 182, Vol. II. (For Article Signed Historicus, See Appendix J) (New York Herald, March 18, 1864) The Battle Of Gettysburg— The Truth Of History, &C

In your paper of the 12th instant Historicus favors the world with an immense letter on the Battle of Gettysburg. It is so manifestly intended to create public opinion that few will attach to it the importance the writer hopes. I wish to correct some of his misstatements, and, having been an eye-witness, claim to be both heard and believed. First— The Fifth corps was never placed under the orders of General Sickles at any time during the Battle of Gettysburg and never was posted by General Sickl

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix L: Newspaper Article, A Reply By General Barnes To A Newspaper Article Signed Historicus, Mentioned In Letter Of March 22, 1864. See Page 182, Vol. II. (For Article Signed Historicus, See Appendix J) (New York Herald, March 21, 1864) The Battle Of Gettysburg

In the New York Herald of the 12th inst., a communication over the signature of Historicus purports to give the account of an EyeWit-ness of the Battle of Gettysburg, and the reason for it assigned that up to this time no clear narrative of it has appeared. I desire to call attention to that portion of it which pretends to relate certain events in connection with the part taken by the Fifth Corps in that engagement, and particularly to what the writer refers to as an Alarming incident occurring

7 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix M: Letter From General Meade To The Department Enclosing Newspaper Article Signed Historicus, Mentioned In Letter Of April 2, 1864. See Page 186, Vol. II. (For Article Signed Historicus, See Appendix J)

Colonel. I enclose herewith a slip from the New York Herald of the 12th inst., containing a communication signed Historicus, purporting to give an account of the Battle of Gettysburg to which I desire to call the attention of the War Department— and ask such action thereon as may be deemed proper and suitable. For the past fortnight the public press of the whole country has been teeming with articles, all having for their object assaults upon my reputation as an officer, and tending to throw dis

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix N

Your letter to Col. Townsend, inclosing a slip from the Herald, and asking a Court of Inquiry, has been laid before me by the Secretary of War, with the request that I would consider it. It is quite natural that you should feel some sensibility on the subject; yet I am not impressed, nor do I think the country is impressed, with the belief that your honor demands, or the public interest demands, such an Inquiry. The country knows that, at all events, you have done good services; and I believe it

54 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix O (New York Herald, April 4, 1864) The Battle Of Gettysburg

(For First article signed Historicus, see Appendix J. For article by General Barnes, see Appendix L. For article by A Staff Officer of the Fifth Corps, see Appendix K) In reply to General Barnes and the staff officers of the Second and Fifth Corps. The evidence before the Committee on the Conduct of the War, &C. In your journal of the 12th ult. I gave an impartial and conscientious sketch of the Battle of Gettysburg. Regarding it as the decisive battle of the war, I thought it wise to put it

10 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix P Meade's Position

He is as much the commander of the Army of the Potomac as he ever was. Grant plans and exercises a supervisory control over the army, but to Meade belongs everything of detail. He is entitled to great credit for the magnificent movements of the army since we left Brandy, for they have been dictated by him. In battle he puts troops in action and controls their movements; in a word, he commands the army. General Grant is here only because he deems the present campaign the vital One of the war, and

1 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix Q: Newspaper Article, Attack On General Meade, Mentioned In Letter Of October 23, 1864. See Page 236, Vol. II. (New York Independent, October 13, 1864) The War In Virginia

The military news of the week covers a wide field. Dispatches of considerable interest have been received from the James River, from the Shenandoah Valley, from Georgia, from Kentucky, and from Missouri. The operations in all quarters are important, but the public attention, as usual, is concentrated upon Virginia, and the movements near Richmond have again attracted that regard which the brilliancy of Sheridan's victories for the moment diverted to the Shenandoah. We are obliged to reverse the

5 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix R: Letters From General Grant To Mr. Wilson, Chairman Of The Military Committee, And Mr. Washburne, At Washington, D. C., Urging General Meade's Confirmation As Major-General In The Regular Army, Mentioned In Letter Of January 21, 1865. See Page 257, Vol. II.

I see that Generals Thomas and Sheridan have been confirmed as Major Generals in the Regular Army, whilst no mention is made of General Meade's confirmation to the same rank. From this I infer objections have been raised. This I regret. General Meade was appointed at my solicitation after a campaign the most protracted, and covering more severely contested battles, than any of which we have any account in history. I have been with General Meade during the whole campaign, and not only made the re

2 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix S: Despatch From General Grant To General Meade On The Report Of The Committee On The Conduct Of The War About The Petersburg Mine Explosion, Mentioned In Letter Of February 9, 1865. See Page 261, Vol. II.

The Committee on the Conduct of the War have published the result of their investigation of the Mine explosion. Their opinions are not sustained by knowledge of the facts nor by my evidence nor yours either do I suppose. Gen. Burnside's evidence apparently has been their guide and to draw it mildly he has forgotten some of the facts. I think in justification to yourself who seem to be the only party censured, Genl. Burnside should be brought before a Court Martial and let the proceedings of the

46 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix T: Newspaper Article, Findings Of The Court Of Inquiry In The Investigation Of The Petersburg Mine Explosion, Mentioned In Letter Of March 13, 1865. See Page 267, Vol. II. (Army And Navy Journal, Of March 11, 1865) The Petersburgh Explosion: Decision Of The Court Of Inquiry Into The Cause Of Its Failure

The following is the finding and opinion of the court ordered to investigate the circumstances attending the failure of the explosion of the mine before Petersburgh:— After mature deliberation of the testimony adduced, the court find the following facts and circumstances attending the unsuccessful assault on the 30th July: The Mine, quite an important feature in the attack, was commenced by Major General Burnside, soon after the occupation of his present lines, without any directions obtained fr

11 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix U: Newspaper Article, In Favor Of General Meade, Mentioned In Letter Of April 18, 1865. See Page 273, Vol. II. (New York Herald, April 14, 1865) General Meade

The impression seems to have gotten out at the North that General Meade is not very popular with his army. This is a great mistake, and has been fully verified in the past Two days. I never saw so much enthusiasm displayed for any man as was for him after the surrender of Lee's army. Our troops were drawn up on either side of the road and when General Meade rode through they seemed nearly crazed with joy. Cheer followed cheer, and hats were thrown up in the air with apparent disregard of where t

50 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix V: General Meade's Letter To Col. G. G. Benedict Of March 16, 1870, On The Battle Of Gettysburg. See Letter Of April 8, 1864, Page 188, Vol. II. General Meade's Letter On Gettysburg

The letter of General Meade regarding the Battle of Gettysburg, written Seven years after the battle, to Colonel G. G. Benedict, of Vermont, and published for the First time by Colonel Benedict, in the Weekly Press of Philadelphia of August 11, 1886, in refutation of the statements made on the battle-field by General Daniel E. Sickles, on the occasion of the Reunion, July 2, 1886, of the remnant of the Third Corps of the Army of the Potomac, on the Twenty-Third an-Niversary of the battle Sir: A

10 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix W: Testimony Of General Meade Before The Congressional Committee On The Conduct Of The War Relating To The Battle Of Gettysburg And Subsequent Movements. See Page 176, Vol. II. Meade

Question: What is your rank and position in the service? Answer: I am a major general of volunteers, commanding the Army of the Potomac. Question: When were you invested with the command of that army? Answer: I think it was the 28th of June, 1863. Question: Where was the army at that time? Answer: It was lying around and near Frederick, Maryland. Question: You superseded General Hooker? Answer: I relieved General Hooker. Question: Will you give a statement, in your own way, of the Battle of Gett

2 hour read

Read Chapter

Appendix X: Newspaper Article, Attack On General Meade; See Page 186, Vol. II. (For Reply By Col. Meade, See Appendix Y) (From The New York Times, April 1st, 1883) Doubleday's Defense Of His Statement That Meade Was Overruled By The Action Of A Council Of War

A short time since a quotation was given in the Times from the Appendix to Swinton's History of the Army of the Potomac to the effect that there is not A scintilla of evidence to sustain my statement that Gen. Meade contemplated a retreat at Gettysburg. As this is calculated to discredit the account of the battle given in my work on Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, I hope you will allow me a few words by way of reply. I would have answered it in the Second edition of my book, but unfortunately,

10 minute read

Read Chapter

Appendix Y Did General Meade Desire To Retreat At The Battle Of Gettysburg?

I did not see or hear of the letter of General Abner Doubleday, published in the New York Times of April 1st, until my attention was called to it nearly a month afterward. But, in view of the fact of my previous silence, when General Doubleday has discussed the same topic, that does not account for my noticing it now or at all. I begin, therefore, with an apology for breaking that long silence, induced by the conviction that he had manifestly to the world failed to substantiate the assertions ma

2 hour read

Read Chapter