Warrenton, Va., July 26, 1863.
I think my
last letter to you was about the 21st or 22d, when I was embarrassed at not
ascertaining anything definite in regard to Lee's movements. The next day, the
22d, I had positive information he was moving up the Valley of the Shenandoah.
I immediately put my army in motion and pushed through Manassas Gap, where I
met a part of his force. By the evening of the 24th I drove his force through
Manassas Gap, and debouched with the head of my army into the open country
beyond, in the vicinity of Front Royal, and having collected five corps
together, expected to get a fight out of him on the 25th; but on advancing on
that day he was again gone, having moved his whole army and trains (principally
through Strasburg), day and night, on the 23d and 24th. Of course I was again
disappointed, and I presume the President will be again dissatisfied. It is
evident Lee is determined not to fight me till he gets me as far away from
Washington as possible and in a position where all the advantages will be on
his side. I hear from officers who have been in Washington that the President
offered the command of this army to Grant, who declined it, but recommended
Sherman. I consider I have done a great deal in compelling Lee to abandon the
Valley of Virginia, where, but for my movements, he undoubtedly would have
stayed, as he did last year, employing his army in gathering in the bountiful
crops of that region, and sending them to his depots at Staunton and
Gordonsville for use in the winter. As soon as I can get ready I shall move on
again, and it remains to be seen whether he will make a stand on the
Rappahannock or behind the Rapidan. Some people think they are preparing to
abandon Virginia altogether, but I doubt this.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 137
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