Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, Frederick, July 8,
1863.
I arrived here yesterday; the army is assembling at
Middletown. I think we shall have another battle before Lee can cross the
river, though from all accounts he is making great efforts to do so. For my
part, as I have to follow and fight him, I would rather do it at once and in
Maryland than to follow into Virginia. I received last evening your letters of
the 3d and 5th inst., and am truly rejoiced that you are treated with such
distinction on account of my humble services. I see also that the papers are
making a great deal too much fuss about me. I claim no extraordinary merit for
this last battle, and would prefer waiting a little while to see what my career
is to be before making any pretensions. I did and shall continue to do my duty
to the best of my abilities, but knowing as I do that battles are often decided
by accidents, and that no man of sense will say in advance what their result
will be, I wish to be careful in not bragging before the right time. George1 is
very well, though both of us are a good deal fatigued with our recent
operations. From the time I took command till to-day, now over ten days, I have
not changed my clothes, have not had a regular night's rest, and many nights
not a wink of sleep, and for several days did not even wash my face and hands,
no regular food, and all the time in a great state of mental anxiety. Indeed, I
think I have lived as much in this time as in the last thirty years. Old Baldy
is still living and apparently doing well; the ball passed within half an inch
of my thigh, passed through the saddle and entered Baldy's stomach. I did not think
he could live, but the old fellow has such a wonderful tenacity of life that I
am in hopes he will.
The people in this place have made a great fuss with me. A
few moments after my arrival I was visited by a deputation of ladies, and
showers of wreaths and bouquets presented to me, in most complimentary terms.
The street has been crowded with people, staring at me, and, much to my
astonishment, I find myself a lion. I cannot say I appreciate all this honor,
because I feel certain it is undeserved, and would like people to wait a little
while. I send you a document1 received yesterday afternoon. It will
give you pleasure I know. Preserve it, because the terms in which the General
in Chief speaks of the battle are stronger than any I have deemed it proper to
use myself. I never claimed a victory, though I stated that Lee was defeated in
his efforts to destroy my army. I am going to move as soon as I can get the
army supplied with subsistence and ammunition.
_______________
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 132-3
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