Union, Va., July 21,1863.
Your indignation at the manner in which I was treated on
Lee's escape is not only natural, but was and is fully shared by me. I did
think at one time writing frankly to the President, informing him I never
desired the command, and would be most glad at any time to be relieved, and
that, as he had expressed dissatisfaction at my course, I thought it was his
duty, independent of any personal consideration, to remove me. After
reflection, however, I came to the conclusion to take no further action in the
matter, and leave it entirely with them. I took the command from a sense of
duty. I shall continue to exercise it, to the best of my humble capacity, in
the same spirit. I have no ambition or ulterior views, and whatever be my fate,
I shall try to preserve a clear conscience. I have received very handsome
letters, both from Generals McClellan and Pope, which I enclose for your
perusal and preservation.1 I have answered them both in the same
spirit as appears to have dictated them.
_______________
1 For letter from McClellan to Meade, see
Appendix D.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 135-6
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