CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, May
10, 1863.
There is a great deal of talking in the camp, and I see the
press is beginning to attack Hooker. I think these last operations have shaken the
confidence of the army in Hooker's judgment, particularly among the superior
officers. I have been much gratified at the frequent expression of opinion that
I ought to be placed in command. Three of my seniors (Couch, Slocum and
Sedgwick) have sent me word that they were willing to serve under me. Couch, I
hear, told the President he would not serve any longer under Hooker, and
recommended my assignment to the command. I mention all this confidentially. I
do not attach any importance to it, and do not believe there is the slightest
probability of my being placed in command. I think I know myself, and am
sincere when I say I do not desire the command; hence I can quietly attend to
my duties, uninfluenced by what is going on around me, at the same time expressing,
as I feel, great gratification that the army and my senior generals should
think so well of my services and capacity as to be willing to serve under me.
Having no political influence, being no intriguer, and indeed unambitious of
the distinction, it is hardly probable I shall be called on to accept or
decline. I see the papers attribute Hooker's withdrawal to the weak councils of
his corps commanders. This is a base calumny. Four out of six of his corps
commanders were positive and emphatic in their opposition to the withdrawal,
and he did it contrary to their advice. Hooker, however, I should judge, feels
very secure, and does not seem concerned. I have no idea what his next move
will be. For my part it would seem that all projects based on pursuing this
line of operations having been tried and failed, we should try some other
route. Yet the Administration is so wedded to this line that it will be
difficult to get authority to change.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 373-4
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