Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, December 11, 1863.
I have not heard a word from Washington, but from what I see
in the papers, and what I hear from officers returning from Washington, I take
it my supersedure is decided upon, and the only question is who is to succeed
me. I understand the President and Secretary Chase are very anxious to bring
Hooker back; but Halleck and Stanton will undoubtedly oppose this. A compromise
may perhaps be made by bringing Thomas1 here, and giving Hooker
Thomas's army.
I have very kind letters from Gibbon and Hancock, both
hoping I will not be relieved, and each saying they had not lost a particle of
confidence in me. Many officers in the army have expressed the same feeling,
and I really believe the voice of the army will sustain me. This, though, goes
for nothing in Washington. I will not go to Washington to be snubbed by these
people; they may relieve me, but I will preserve my dignity.
_______________
1 Major-General George H. Thomas, commanding the
Army of the Cumberland.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 160-1
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