Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, July 14, 1863.
I found Lee in a very strong position, intrenched. I
hesitated to attack him, without some examination of the mode of approaching
him. I called my corps commanders together, and they voted against attacking
him. This morning, when I advanced to feel his position and seek for a weak point,
I found he had retired in the night and was nearly across the river. I
immediately started in pursuit, and my cavalry captured two thousand prisoners,
two guns, several flags, and killed General Pettigrew. On reporting these facts
to General Halleck, he informed me the President was very much dissatisfied at
the escape of Lee. I immediately telegraphed I had done my duty to the best of
my ability, and that the expressed dissatisfaction of the President I
considered undeserved censure, and asked to be immediately relieved. In reply
he said it was not intended to censure me, but only to spur me on to an active
pursuit, and that it was not deemed sufficient cause for relieving me.1
This is exactly what I expected; unless I did impracticable things, fault would
be found with me. I have ignored the senseless adulation of the public and
press, and I am now just as indifferent to the censure bestowed without just
cause.
I start to-morrow to run another race with Lee.
_______________
1 For telegram mentioned, see Appendix C.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 134
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