Brigadier General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, February 9, 1862

CAMP PIERPONT, VA., February 9, 1862.

Is not the news from Tennessee glorious? ^l  It is very important in a strategical point of view, as it enables us to get in the rear of both Columbus and Bowling Green, and cut off the communication and supplies from these places, compelling their evacuation, which effected, we can attack them in the open field. Dranesville, Mill Spring, and Fort Henry prove most conclusively that they are not invincible, and will run just as soon, if not sooner, than we will. They have had a most beneficial effect on our morale, and I think all hands are now here looking forward to the period when we can do something.

___________

¹ The surrender of Fort Henry on the Tennessee River, February 6, 1862. The Federal troops under Brigadier-General U. S. Grant, and the gun-boats under Commodore A. H. Foote, defeated the Confederate troops under Brigadier-General Tilghman. The Confederates surrendered after the attack by the gunboats and just as the Federal troops arrived.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 245