CAMP NEAR BROOKS
STATION, VA., November 30, 1862.
I received this evening your letter of the 28th, enclosing
one from George.1 George's letter is written not only in good
spirits, but in the right spirit, and gratified me very much. I trust he will
always look upon men and things in the same sensible light, in which case he
will avoid much of the trouble that young men are so apt to encounter, from
thinking those over them are always inferior, and that they know so much better
what ought to be done than those whose business it is to decide. I had heard
before you wrote that Rush's regiment was ordered here. General Bayard told me
the regiment was ordered to his brigade, which is encamped right alongside of
me. I said I was glad to hear it, because George had just been commissioned in
it and had joined. Bayard, who knows George and all about him, at once said, “I
will take him on my staff;” but I said no; I want him to see some service with
his company, and learn to command men and be initiated in the details of
service, before he goes on the staff. Bayard replied, “You are right.” I
certainly think it is better for a young officer to serve with his regiment
before accepting a staff appointment. Coxe had a letter from his brother dated
on Thanksgiving Day, three days after George's. He says they had a dreadful
time on the scout (George writes he is ordered on), having to ride seventy-five
miles in one day, and that his horse (Coxe's) is completely used up. He says he
(C.) is attached to one of the two new companies, which are to be left at
Frederick, under Major Morris,2 the rest of the regiment being
ordered to join Franklin immediately. So I shall look for George every day,
whom I shall really be glad to see. You must have had, from your account, a
most dismal Thanksgiving dinner. I did not know it was Thanksgiving Day till I
heard some one complain of not having a turkey for dinner.
__________
1 Son of General Meade.
2 Robert Morris, Jr., of Philadelphia.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 333-4
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