Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, December 20, 1863.
As to the Christmas box you ask about, it is hardly
necessary to send it, as the Frenchman who messes me provides me liberally with
everything, and these boxes are very expensive. I expect you will have your
hands full with the children at Christmas, and I think you had better throw
into this fund the amount you would expend on me for a box and mufti.
I have had several visitors recently. One was the Chevalier
Danesi, a young Sardinian officer, who has come to this country with a view of
serving in our army. The other was an English gentleman, from Liverpool, an
original Union man, who desired to see our army in the field. Danesi brought me
a letter from McClellan, and the Englishman one from Mr. Seward, Secretary of
State. They both spent a day very pleasantly, and I endeavored to be civil to
them.
I suppose you have seen Greeley's apology about the New
Jersey letter. After he found it was written to a loyal Republican, he changed
his tune about the character of its contents. I wonder what these people want if
they are not satisfied with my services and my practical devotion to their
cause?
You ask me about Grant. It is difficult for me to reply. I
knew him as a young man in the Mexican war, at which time he was considered a
clever young officer, but nothing extraordinary. He was compelled to resign
some years before the present war, owing to his irregular habits. I think his
great characteristic is indomitable energy and great tenacity of purpose. He
certainly has been very successful, and that is nowadays the measure of
reputation. The enemy, however, have never had in any of their Western armies
either the generals or the troops they have had in Virginia, nor has the
country been so favorable for them there as here. Grant has undoubtedly shown
very superior abilities, and is I think justly entitled to all the honors they
propose to bestow upon him.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 162-3
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