CAMP PIERPONT, VA., November
12, 1861.
This afternoon, while at dinner, I was greatly surprised and
delighted at seeing a carriage drive up with Captain and Mrs. Scott. He said he
was in Washington before a Court of Inquiry; that he had not the slightest fear
of the result, having conscientiously performed his duty. He explained the
cause of complaint, which was his not having reported to the Gulf Squadron;
which he could not do, having captured a vessel that he had evidence would not
have been condemned at Key West, though a legal capture. I hope his expectations
will be realized, and that no harm will come to him. They had driven out to see
Baldy Smith and myself. After spending a little while in my tent, I rode part
of the way back with them. Today we have the cheering news from the Naval
Expedition;1 du Pont2 has covered himself with glory. The
whole affair was most skillfully executed, and reflects great credit on the
navy. It has inspirited all of us, and the talk is now, When are we going to do
something? I should not be surprised if a movement was made in a very few days.
For my part I hope so.
__________
1 Battle of Port Royal, S. C., November 7, 1861.
2 Captain Samuel F. Du Pont, U. S. N., in command
of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 226-7
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