CAMP PIERPONT, VA., December
30, 1861.
I intended yesterday (Sunday) to have written you a long
letter, but just as I was getting ready to do so, orders came for a review by
Governor Curtin. The review and attendant duties occupied pretty much the
balance of the day. After the review, which passed off very well, Ord's, or the
Third Brigade, was addressed by Governor Curtin, who eulogized their conduct at
Dranesville, thanked them in the name of the people of Pennsylvania, and said
he had directed the word Dranesville to be inscribed on the banner of each
regiment in the brigade. Secretary Cameron, who was present, asked very kindly
after you, and hoped you were quite well. Among Governor Curtin's cortege was
Craig Biddle,1 who seemed glad to see me, and said he had seen you
only a few days ago in the street. General McClellan has issued a complimentary
order, in which he returns his special thanks to General Ord and his brigade
for the fight, and to McCall and the division for the prompt measures taken to
repel the advance of reinforcements.
Well, the vexed Trent affair is settled, and just as I
expected it would be. Seward's letter I do not like. It is specious and
pettifogging. Had Mr. Seward written this letter immediately on receipt of the
intelligence of the capture, and examination of the subject, then it would have
been all right and honorable; but I do not understand the manliness of not
finding out you are wrong until a demand is made for reparation, particularly
as, anterior to that demand and its consequences, everything was done by
Congress and the Navy Department, the press and all jurists, to insist on the
justice and legality of the act. It is a clear case of backing out, with our
tracks very badly covered up. I would have preferred insisting on the act being
legal, but yielded on the broad ground of superior force and our inability at
the present moment to resist the outrage. I think the course of England has
been most disgraceful and unworthy of a great nation, and I feel confident
that, if ever this domestic war of ours is settled, it will require but the
slightest pretext to bring about a war with England.
__________
1 Craig Biddle, of Philadelphia, afterward a judge
of the court of common pleas.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 240-1
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