CAMP NEAR ACQUIA CREEK,
November 23, 1862.
We moved here yesterday to be on the railroad, nearer to our
supplies, for the condition of the roads was such that there was danger of
starvation from the impossibility of hauling loaded wagons over them.
You will see by the papers that the enemy have appeared at
Fredericksburg, and evinced a disposition to dispute our crossing the river and
occupying that place. I think this is only to gain time, and do not believe
they have any very serious intentions of fighting here, as it is decidedly
against their interest. Their policy is to draw us as far as possible from the
Potomac and then to attack our rear, cut off if possible our lines of
communication and supply, and compel us, in order to keep these open, so to
weaken our force in front as to prevent our attacking them, and enabling them,
if they can collect sufficient force, to attack us. Of course, they will
dispute every available point on the road, and hold us in check at each place
as long as they can, but I do not look for any general engagement till we get
to the junction of the Gordonsville and Richmond Road, which is some fifteen
miles from the latter place and some forty-five miles from Fredericksburg. The
work of repairing the road between Acquia Creek and Fredericksburg progresses
very slowly. We may perhaps be favored by weather after getting across the
Rappahannock. If the cold weather sets in and freezing the ground makes the
roads passable, we may be able to leave Fredericksburg with sufficient
provisions and ammunition to push ahead and fight a big battle wherever we may
meet the enemy. If we prove victorious, we can at our leisure bring up
supplies; and if defeated, we will have little to encumber us on our retreat. I
presume this is the project, though I have no knowledge but my own surmises.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 331
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