CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA.,
May 20, 1863.
The battle of Chancellorsville was a miserable failure, in
which Hooker disappointed me greatly. His plan was admirably designed, and the
early part of it, entrusted to others, was well executed; but after he had
assembled his army on the other side near Chancellorsville, instead of striking
at once vigorously and instantly, before the enemy, who were surprised, could
concentrate, he delayed; gave them thirty-six hours to bring up and dispose of
their troops; permitted them to attack him, and after their doing so, failed to
take advantage of their error in dividing and separating their forces, but
allowed them to engage only about half his army and to unite their forces after
driving back a portion of ours. He then assumed the defensive, doing nothing
for two days, while we could hear Sedgwick's guns, and knew they were trying to
crush him and must succeed. Finally he withdrew to this side, giving up all the
advantages gained, and having to recross with all the obstacles and
difficulties increased. Notwithstanding these are my views, I have abstained
from making them known to any one, out of consideration for Hooker, who has
always pretended to be very friendly to me. I declined to join Couch in a
representation to the President, when he was down here, and I refused to join
Slocum, who desired to take action to have Hooker removed. I told both these
gentlemen I would not join in any movement against Hooker, but that if the
President chose to call on me officially for my opinions, I would give them. I have
spoken to no one but Governor Curtin, and to him only because he came to see me
and spoke so freely and bitterly against Hooker, that I allowed myself to say a
part of what I have above written. I considered my conversation with Governor
Curtin private, and did not expect he would repeat it or quote me. I
have seen Senators Wade, Chandler, Wilson and Doolittle, all of whom have been
down here to find out what they could, but I have abstained from saying
anything, as they did not think proper to ask me any questions. Hooker is safe,
I think, from the difficulty of finding a successor, and from the ridiculous
appearance we present of changing our generals after each battle. He may, and I
trust he will, do better next time; but unless he shows more aptitude than in
the last affair, he will be very apt to be defeated again. Lee committed a
terrible blunder in allowing us to come back; he might have destroyed us by a
vigorous attack while we were retreating.
The review of my corps passed off very well yesterday,
and Lord Abinger expressed himself greatly pleased. After the review I had a
collation at my quarters, which seemed to be equally pleasing to his lordship.
He said that if he had time to stop in Philadelphia, he would hunt you up.
Turnbull, who was at the review, showed me a few lines he
had received from Proctor Smith, by a flag of truce that went after the
wounded. Smith is Chief Engineer on Lee's staff. He begs to be remembered to
you and me. Beckham is major of artillery and commands a battery with Stuart's
cavalry. Smith is colonel.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 379-80
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