Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, March 15, 1864.
I received your note in due course of mail, but was so busy
at the time I could not reply. It was hardly necessary for you to write that
you would do anything in my defense, because I shall always fully count on you
in this way. I was glad to have your sympathy, because I am free to confess the
suddenness of this attack, its injurious combination of several interests
against me, that really have no particular cause of complaint, has in reality
astounded me and for awhile I was embarrassed what to do. I believe now,
however, I have produced a reaction in my behalf, simply by exposing the
character and motives of my assailants. I feared the Committee on the Conduct
of the War was against me, and that their examination would be ex-parte; to
which their organization, the absence of myself or counsel, the ignorance I am
under of what is testified against me, all combine to give great power for
injury, if abused. Fortunately my friend Mr. Odell is on this committee, and
although hitherto a great friend of my principal adversary, he is most indignant
at the course pursued, and has entered heart and soul into the determination to
see justice done. Now this is all I ask, a thorough investigation of the whole
matter and the bringing out the truth.
The ingenuity of my enemies, in the theory of their attack,
is worthy of admiration. They acknowledge the battle of Gettysburg as one of
the greatest victories the world has ever seen; but they expect to prove that
it was fought in opposition to all the plans I had formed; that I was
all the time expecting disaster and issuing orders to retreat; in fine, that
had I not been there, great as was the battle, it would have been far greater.
Now, although I can tear away all this flimsy framework of argument in this
operation, I shall have to expose that as a prudent general, whilst my orders
were always looking to fighting, I did at times, in discussions, councils,
preparatory orders, etc., hold in view the contingency of a reverse and
endeavor to be prepared for it. This is the sum and substance of my offense,
and I regret to say that, among a certain class of my fellow-countrymen, this
will be an offense and indicative of what they call too much caution, and
being paralyzed by contingent reverses, proving that I did not have the dash
and blundering audacity of others.
My enemies consist of certain politicians who wish me
removed to restore Hooker; then of certain subordinates, whose military
reputations are involved in the destruction of mine; finally, a class of
vultures who in Hooker's day preyed upon the army, and who sigh for a return of
those glorious days. I expect to retain my place, but I am anxious about my
reputation.
A very good article has been sent to me in the new paper in
your city called the Round Table.1 I wish, if you know the editors, you would, in my
name, thank them for their generous interposition in my behalf. I am of the
opinion that the characters and motives of my assailants have been of immense
benefit, in staying public judgment before I could reply. I should like to see
that article republished over the country, also one from the Times, which
was no more personal, but discussed temperately the destruction of all
subordination and discipline in an army where the inferior generals were spies
and critics of their commanding general.
I think my testimony will pull the lion's skin off of some
of my disguised foes, and that they will perhaps, before the thing is over,
repent they ever meddled with it. Already the liars have disclaimed any
intention to attack me, and in evidence produce the article in the Herald signed
Historicus, which you have doubtless read, and which is filled with false and
perverted statements, which have astonished even myself, and those around me,
who have great respect for the capacity, adroitness and skill in this respect
of my opponents.2
Give my love to Kate,3 and tell her I shall come
out of this last battle of Gettysburg with flying colors.
_______________
* Brother-in-law of Mrs. Meade.
1 For article mentioned, see Appendix I.
2 For article mentioned, see Appendix J.
3 Wife of Mr. Cram.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 178-80
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