Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, July 23, 1864.
The stories you hear about me, some of which have reached
camp, are mere canards, I have never had any quarrel with either General
Hancock or Smith. Hancock is an honest man, and as he always professes the
warmest friendship for me, I never doubt his statements; and I am sure I have
for him the most friendly feeling and the highest appreciation of his talents.
I am perfectly willing at any time to turn over to him the Army of the Potomac,
and wish him joy of his promotion.
We have been very quiet since I last wrote; there are signs
of approaching activity. The army is getting to be quite satisfied with its
rest, and ready to try it again.
It would appear from the news from Niagara Falls that the
question of peace has been in a measure mooted. The army would hail an
honorable peace with delight, and I do believe, if the question was left to
those who do the fighting, an honorable peace would be made in a few hours.
Ord has been placed in Smith's place in command of the
Eighteenth Corps, and General Birney has been assigned to the Tenth Corps,
largely composed of colored troops.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 215
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