CAMP PIERPONT, VA., February
16, 1862.
Sergeant1 writes that your mother appears
softened at Oby Wise's2 death. I must confess if lives are to be
sacrificed less sympathy should be shown for those who have plunged us into
this difficulty, with their eyes open, and Oby Wise by his writings and conduct
was as influential in bringing on the war as any one in his sphere could be. It
appears he lost his life in attempting to escape in a boat. Had he surrendered
when the day was lost, he would not have sacrificed his life. I think the rabid
feeling you describe as existing against McClellan is confined to a certain
party, and they are in the minority; though being very loud and noisy in their
abuse, would seem to be formidable. I don't think they can succeed in their
attempts to displace him. I am now very anxious to hear from Fort Donelson.3
A reverse there at the present moment would be very unfortunate; and I trust
Halleck has arranged matters so as to render success in all human probability
certain. The attack has, however, been in progress for four days, which is time
enough for it to have fallen, provided it can be carried by assault. Perhaps
to-morrow we shall hear something, but the absence of all news to-day is not
favorable. We had quite a fall of snow yesterday, and neither the weather nor
the roads indicate much prospect of our moving. Foolish people consider the war
over because we have had a few victories, but I consider it just begun. I
believe, though, if we continue to be as fortunate as we have recently been,
that it will not be long before the other side will have enough of it. There
are many signs indicating that the people in the South are beginning to be
tired, and if we can only inflict two or three really severe blows on them,
breaking up their armies, I don't believe they will be able to gather them
together again in any formidable numbers. Let us hope and pray for such a
result and not mind the idle clamor of bad or foolish people.
__________
1 Son of General Meade.
2 Son of Henry A. Wise.
3 Fort Donelson, twelve miles from Fort Henry,
captured February 16, 1862. The Federal forces, under Brigadier-General U. S.
Grant and Commodore A. H. Foote, defeated the Confederate troops under General
J. B. Floyd. Federal loss, killed, wounded, and missing, 2,832 (O. R.).
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 246-7
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