Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, March 26, 1865.
Your visit seems so like a dream I can hardly realize you
have been here.
The orderly who took Meta McCall's saddle down says he
arrived just in time to put it on board, so I presume you started soon after 12
M. To-day is a fine day, without wind, and I trust you will have a pleasant
journey up the Potomac and get safe home.
After I arrived here, the President and party came about 1 P.
M. We reviewed Crawford's Division, and then rode to the front line and saw the
firing on Wright's front, at the fort where you were, where a pretty sharp
fight was going on. Indeed, Humphreys and Wright were fighting till eight
o'clock, with very good results, taking over one thousand prisoners from the
enemy, and inflicting heavy losses in killed and wounded. The day turned out to
be a very successful one, we punishing the enemy severely, taking nearly three
thousand prisoners and ten battle flags, besides the morale of
frustrating and defeating his plans.
Mrs. Lincoln spoke very handsomely of you and referred in
feeling terms to our sad bereavement. The President also spoke of you, and
expressed regret that your visit should have been so abruptly terminated. I
suppose Mrs. Hopkinson and yourself will have great fun in recalling the
incidents of your trip. Altogether, your expedition was very successful, and I
am very glad you came.
I expect we shall have stirring times before long. The
fighting yesterday proved the enemy has still some spirit left in him, and Lee,
having once begun, is likely to try his hand again; and if he don't, I suppose
we shall have to take the matter in hand.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 267-8
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