Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, December 18, 1864.
I am glad you saw Major Smith and liked him. I found him
very intelligent and amiable. I gave him a letter to Oliver Hopkinson, as he
wanted to see some duck-shooting; but I believe he found some one in Baltimore
who put him in the way of having some sport. I knew that Captain Chesney was
the instructor of engineering at the Military College of Woolwich, but was not
aware that his service had been confined to this duty.
We have all been greatly delighted at the good news from
Tennessee. Thomas is very much liked by all who know him, and things at one
time looked unfavorable for him, it appearing as if he was giving Hood too much
time; but it now turns out Old Thom, as we call him, knew what he was about, and
has turned the tables completely. Don't you remember, when we were at West
Point, meeting his wife, who was at the hotel? He was then in Texas, and she
was expecting him home. She was a tall good-natured woman, and was quite civil
to us.
I don't believe the bill to cut off the heads of generals
will either pass the Senate or be approved by the President. By-the-by, I see
the Senate, on motion of Mr. Anthony, of Rhode Island, has directed the
Committee on the Conduct of the War to enquire into the Mine fiasco on the 30th
of July, and that Burnside has already been summoned to testify. This is a most
ill advised step on the part of Burnside and his friends, and can only result
in making public the incompetency of that officer. I would, of course, rather not
have to appear again before this committee, because they are prejudiced and
biased against me, and their examinations are not conducted with fairness.
Still, I shall not shrink from the contest.
Grant is still in Washington, though expected back to-morrow.
The change of affairs in Tennessee will render his presence there unnecessary.
An expedition sailed the other day from Fortress Monroe,
composed of the fleet and a detachment of troops. Grant took these from
Butler's army, intending Weitzel should command them; but much to every one's
astonishment, Butler insisted on going, and did go, with the expedition.
Mrs. Lyman has sent me a Christmas present of a box of nice
cigars.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 252-3
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