Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, December 3, 1863.
Two days have now
elapsed since I officially announced the return of the army, and yet not a word
or line has been vouchsafed me from Washington. I am somewhat at a loss to know
what the silence of the authorities means. My despatch simply stated the fact
that, finding Lee too strongly posted and entrenched to justify my attacking
him, and not being able to make any further tactical movement on his flank, I
had felt it my duty to withdraw the army, and feared the lateness of the season
would prevent any other offensive operations. I made no explanations of the
causes of the failure of my plans, nor have any been asked. I did think at one
time of writing to the President, who has always treated me with great
kindness, but, upon reflection, I deemed it best to communicate only
officially, and in a day or two I shall make an official report, which will set
the whole matter right. Of one thing I am sure, that my course has met the full
approbation of the army and increased the confidence they before had in me.
I yesterday received
a letter from Charlotte Ingraham.1 She tells me all her brothers,
and one brother-in-law, lie on the battlefield, thus confirming the report I
had heard that Frank had been killed at Gettysburg. She says her parents are at
Port Gibson, completely ruined, and that they have all to begin anew the world.
Is not this terrible?
I enclose you a
curious correspondence just received to file among the historical papers of the
war. Poor Mr. Holstein has committed a very bold act, and I fear it will not be
long before he will have to repent. I have written him a letter of thanks and
send him my photograph, my hair being too gray to display in Bridgeport and my
coats requiring all the buttons they have on them. Is not this a funny world?
_______________
1 Niece of General Meade.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 159-60
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