CAMP AT CATLETT'S
STATION, Friday, April 25, 1862.
Since I wrote, the whole of King’s division has gone down to
Falmouth, opposite Fredericksburg, and to-day orders were given for Reynolds to
move down there with his brigade. I suppose I shall follow in a day or two, and
that McDowell has at last got them in Washington to consent to let him
concentrate his column at Fredericksburg, and either threaten Richmond from
that point, or what would be better, interpose between Richmond and Yorktown,
cutting off the communications of the army at the latter place. What I have
been fearing, was that Banks would allow himself to be decoyed so far up the
valley of the Shenandoah, that when they threw a superior force on him, we
would be rushed across to his assistance. I see by the papers received to-day,
that he has got as far as Harrisonburg, about twelve miles from Staunton; the
latter being the point that Fremont is aiming at. If Banks and Fremont unite,
they will be strong enough.
The papers say the Merrimac is ready to come out
again; which I think is the best thing that can happen, as until the question
of her supremacy is settled, we will be hampered at Yorktown. Let her be
captured or sunk; when our gunboats will be free to operate on the James and
York Rivers, taking the enemy's works in flank and rear, which now we cannot do
for fear of the Merrimac.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 262
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