Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, March 29, 1864.
Spencer1 and the Whipple boys continue to enjoy
themselves. Yesterday was a fine day, and they rode over with me to Hancock's,
some five miles. We then rode to Culpeper Court House, five miles, where I met
General Grant, just from Washington. After which we returned to headquarters, a
distance of six miles, making in all sixteen miles for the day's riding. En
route the boys ascended Pony Mountain, a hill of some five hundred feet
elevation, near Culpeper, on which we have a signal station and a fine
telescope, and from whence you have a good view of the country, the rebel
lines, camps, etc. At night Pennie was pretty well fatigued. But this morning
he was up bright and early, and started with me, before eight o'clock, to go to
Culpeper, where General Grant reviewed two divisions of infantry, and one of
cavalry. It commenced to rain, however, during the review, which curtailed the
ceremonies, and after spending an hour with Grant, we returned home in the
rain. I borrowed an India rubber poncho for Pennie, so that he came back dry,
but on the way his horse, and Willie Whipple's, became excited and started off
with them at full speed. The boys, however, kept their seats beautifully till
George2 and an orderly headed off the horses and stopped them.
Grant continues very affable and quite confidential. He
laughs at the statement in the papers of his remarks about balls, etc., and
says he will be happy to attend any innocent amusement we may get up, he
including among these horse races, of which he is very fond.
I join with you in the regret expressed at the relief of
Sykes. I tried very hard to retain Sykes, Newton, and even French, as division
commanders, but without avail. I had very hard work to retain Sedgwick. As to
Pleasanton, his being relieved was entirely the work of Grant and Stanton.
I hear Butterfield has been swearing terribly against me. I
shall go up day after to-morrow to meet his charges.
It is storming now violently.
_______________
1 Son of General Meade.
2 Son of General Meade.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 185
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