Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, November 3, 1863.
There is no doubt my failure to engage Lee in battle during
his recent advance created great disappointment, in which feeling I fully
shared. I have seen and heard of no indications of absolute dissatisfaction,
though this may have existed without its being manifested. The General in Chief
did telegraph me I had better fight instead of running away, but as he did not
explain how I could fight to advantage, I paid no attention to the very rough
manner in which he expressed his views, except to inform him that, if my
judgment was not approved, I ought to be and deserved to be relieved; to which
I received no reply beyond a disclaiming of any intention to give offence. Now
I have clearly indicated what I thought feasible and practicable and my plan is
disapproved. I think
under these circumstances justice to me and the true interests of the country
justify their selecting some one else to command.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 155
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