CAMP PIERPONT, VA., October
12, 1861 — 9 P. M.
The enemy have appeared in our vicinity, and we have as much
reason to believe they are going to attack us as we ever can have with an enemy
as alert as they are and whose movements are wrapped in such mystery. Perhaps
their movements to-day are like many preceding ones, only feints, either to
harass us or draw us out. If they ever are going to attack us, now is their
time, as General McClellan has advanced some miles beyond his line of
entrenchments and is on comparatively new ground, where every day will enable
him to make himself stronger and their probability of success less. My own
opinion has hitherto been that they would act on the defensive and await our
attack, but the movement of McClellan has possibly caused a change in their
tactics, and they may have made up their minds to accept his offer of battle
and try their chances at the offensive. For my part, I hope it is so. We have a
strong position, in its natural character; we are near our reserves in
Washington, and we have strong lines to fall back upon in case we cannot hold
our present advanced lines. In other words, the advantages are as great on our
side as we can ever expect to have them. The whole question turns upon the
behavior of our men. If they stand up to their work like men, and really fight
with a determination to do or die, I think there is no doubt of our triumphant
success. Of course, if they cannot be brought to this point, all plans and
calculations must fail. You will doubtless be anxious to know what is my
private opinion of our force, and I would not hesitate to tell you if I had a
decided opinion. Much, as I have always told you, will depend on the turn
events take. If we are successful in the beginning in repelling the attack, I
think they can be kept up to the work; but if by any accident the fortune is
against us in the commencement, I fear they will become demoralized. They do
not any of them, officers or men, seem to have the least idea of the solemn
duty they have imposed upon themselves in becoming soldiers. Soldiers they are
not in any sense of the word. Brave men they may be, and I trust in God will
prove themselves; but at this very moment, when we have every reason to believe
by to-morrow's dawn our lives may be imperiled, if not taken from us, I doubt
if any of the numerous living beings around me realize in the slightest degree
what they may have to meet. For myself, I await calmly the decree of an
over-ruling Providence. I am here from a sense of duty, because I could not
with honor be away, and whatever befalls me, those of my blood who survive me
can say, I trust, that I did my duty.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 222-3
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