August 6, 1864.
Grant has not yet returned from Washington; no telegrams
have been received from him since he left, so I presume the project of sending
me to take command has fallen through. I feel quite easy and indifferent to
what course they may think proper to take. My conscience is clear. I have done
my duty to the best of my ability, and shall continue to do so, regardless of
newspaper abuse, and without any effort at reply thereto.
A court of inquiry, at my request, has been appointed, with
Hancock as President. The whole affair of the 30th will be ventilated.
I had to-day a visit from Mr. Sam. Wilkeson, one of the
editors of the Tribune, and one of my most bitter villifiers last
spring. This individual called to make the amende honorable — to say he
had been deceived, and to express the most friendly feelings for me. As I had
never seen him before, but once on the field of Gettysburg, and had never
exchanged a word with him, or given him any cause of offense, I received his
apologies as if nothing had ever taken place, and he left me quite pleased.
I hope the dear children will enjoy themselves at Cape May.
I should be so happy if I could only be there with you, to indulge in those
splendid sea baths and take our old walks on the beach. Well, let us keep up
our spirits, have brave hearts, trust in God's mercy and goodness, and believe
that so long as we try to do our duty all will be well in time.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 219
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