Culpepper C. H., Va., May 2, 1864.
. . . Chilly with cold rain.
The news from Sherman is satisfactory in defeating the rebel
army in Georgia. Should victory light upon his eagles, he will avail himself of
every advantage of the situation, I assure you. There is a confidence in the
Western army of their ability to win that is commendable in every army, and I
wish in my heart all our others possessed it.
There is a habit contracted among officers of this army anything
but praiseworthy, namely, of saying of Western successes: “Well, you never met
Bobby Lee and his boys; it would be quite different if you had.” And in
speaking of the probabilities of our success in the coming campaign: “Well,
that may be, but, mind you, Bobby Lee is just over the Rapidan,” when if these
very same officers would but look at simple facts they would find that Meade
since assuming command of this army has not only outgeneraled General Lee, but
has whipped him badly in every considerable engagement they have fought. To
wit, at Gettysburg compelling him to flee in haste towards Richmond, and also
at the crossing of the Rappahannock, where a division of Sedgwick's corps
captured two brigades of Lee's army.
It may be answered by the admirers of Lee and the defamers
of the Union Generals that Meade fell back towards Washington last fall, but
this was the best thing General Meade could do, for it enabled him to have the
full benefit of the 35,000 troops in that garrison, in case Lee gave battle.
Finding, however, that Lee had apparently changed his mind, Meade followed him
with a large and concentrated force and as rapidly as possible to the south
side of the Rapidan. Subsequently Meade crossed the Rapidan in his face, and
drove him beyond his works at Mine Run, and then returned, with but little loss
to his present position. Here Lee's admirers will interpose the inquiry: “Why
didn't Meade fight him at Mine Run?” which may be just as fairly answered as it
is put by saying: “Why didn't Lee fight Meade when he followed him to
Washington?” No, the facts are, since Meade took command of the Army of the
Potomac, it has beaten the Army of North Virginia in every considerable
conflict, and truthful history will so record it. The engagements have been
few, but all of them have been decisive and the result not doubtful. I am full
of hope and trust in God for victory.
This evening I received a note from a lieutenant in our army
saying there was a Miss Rawlins at Stephensburg, five miles distant from here,
who was desirous of knowing if I was in anywise related to Major Owen, or
Thomas, or John Rawlins of Missouri, and that they were all her uncles. They
are also uncles of mine, but the two last mentioned are dead, if I remember
correctly. I do not know how a cousin of mine, a lady, could get down here. I
know my grandfather was from Virginia, but from what part I cannot state. I had
supposed none of my uncles resided in this State. Unless she is the daughter of
my Uncle Benjamin, who lived in Kentucky, I cannot guess her parentage.
To-morrow if it is clear and I feel able to stand a ride, I shall call on her,
for I know it will interest father very much to hear all the particulars and to
learn that she is not suffering. I am much better to-day and am taking precious
good care of myself. Enclosed find photograph of General Augur, who commanded
the defences at Washington. . . .
SOURCE: James H. Wilson, The Life of John A. Rawlins,
p. 426-8
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