GENERAL ORDERS, No. 67.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF
THE POTOMAC,
June 28, 1863.
By direction of the President of the United States, I hereby
assume command of the Army of the Potomac.
As a soldier, in obeying this order – an order totally
unexpected and unsolicited – I have no promises or pledges to make.
The country looks to this army to relieve it from the
devastation and disgrace of a hostile invasion. Whatever fatigues and
sacrifices we may be called upon to undergo, let us have in view constantly the
magnitude of the interests involved, and let each man determine to do his duty,
leaving to an all-controlling Providence the decision of the contest.
It is with just diffidence that I relieve in the command of
this army an eminent and accomplished soldier, whose name must ever appear
conspicuous in the history of its achievements; but I rely upon the hearty
support of my companions in arms to assist me in the discharge of the duties of
the important trust which has been confided to me.
GEO. G. MEADE,
Major-General, Commanding.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 5; The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation
of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume
27, Part 3 (Serial No. 45), p. 374
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