Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, August 3, 1864.
I am in the midst of my row with Burnside. Our recent
miserable failure will require an investigation, and authority has been asked
of the President to appoint a court of inquiry. In the meantime I have
preferred charges against Burnside, and asked he be relieved from duty with
this army.
Yesterday, on General Grant's return from Old Point, General
Sheridan was ordered to Washington, to command that portion of the Army of the
Potomac now detached for the defense of Maryland and the Capital. I at once
went to Grant and told him, as he had thought proper to communicate to me that
he had nominated me for a command in Washington, I demanded to know the reason
I had not been accepted. He said the President expressed every willingness to
have me, but not knowing my wishes on the subject, he feared my removal from
the command of the Army of the Potomac might be misunderstood by the public and
be construed into a disapprobation of my course, but if I desired the transfer,
he would be very glad to have it made. General Grant said it was then concluded
I should be sent, if any more troops should be detached; in the meantime,
Sheridan was sent to command Wright's Corps and the division of cavalry already
sent. I am a little doubtful about this matter. I believe Grant is honest and
would not deceive me, but I think there is something more than is acknowledged.
However, as I am indifferent about the position, I am content, so long as
finding any fault with me is disclaimed. Hancock, whose name was also
mentioned, is quite put out, and thinks some political chicanery at the bottom
of it, and that they are afraid in Washington to give us a chance to do
anything that others cannot swallow up. I, however, am more charitable; at any
rate, I intend to look on the affair in the most favorable light, particularly
as I have got my hands full with the Burnside imbroglio, and must remain here
to see to it.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 218-9
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