Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, October 3, 1864.
I have not been able to write you for several days, as I
have been so absorbed in our recent movements, which I believe are now
successful. These consisted in a movement by Butler on the north side of the
James, in the hope of surprising the enemy, and possibly getting into Richmond.
The enemy was surprised, and part of his third line of defenses taken from him
and is still held by us. As Lee was obliged to detach heavily to meet Butler's
movement, it was thought probable I might, by extending to the left, get into
Petersburg. I did extend my lines some two and a half miles, had quite a brisk
affair with the enemy, but did not succeed in taking Petersburg. Of course,
extending both flanks in this way, we had to weaken our centre, and this is the
danger of this kind of movement; but Lee appears so determined to be prudent
and cautious. He confines himself strictly to the defensive, and lets slip the
chances for a coup we offer him.
On the second day, whilst I was on horseback on the field,
talking to Generals Griffin and Bartlett, surrounded by my staff and escort, a
shell fell in our midst, grazing Humphreys's horse, grazing and striking my
left leg, just below the knee, passing between Griffin and Bartlett, and
embedding itself in the ground in the centre of a group of officers, covering
them all with earth, but without exploding or injuring a soul. A more wonderful
escape I never saw. At first I thought my leg was gone, as I felt and heard the
blow plainly, but it only rubbed the leather of my riding-boot, without even
bruising the skin. Afterwards Colonel Lyman had the shell dug up, and is going
to preserve it. How would you like to have me back minus a leg and on crutches?
I have seen your brother Willie several times. He seems in
good spirits and quite pleased at being assigned to the Army of the Potomac
instead of Butler's army. I had no place on my staff for your friend Captain
Wister, but General Humphreys will take him for the present, as two of his
aides have just left him, their times being out, though they intend trying to
get new commissions to rejoin him. George1 is quite well. He was in
the crowd when the shell dropped among us.
_______________
1 Son of General Meade.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 231
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