Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, October 19, 1864.
I am very glad you went to see Mrs. Birney. The telegraph
to-day announces her husband's decease. This has shocked every one here, for no
one had any idea he was so ill. General Birney is undoubtedly a loss to the
army. He was a very good soldier, and very energetic in the performance of his
duties. During the last campaign he had quite distinguished himself. I feel
greatly for his poor wife, who is thus so suddenly deprived of her husband and
protector. When he left here he was said to be threatened with a serious
attack, but it was hoped change of air and being at home would keep it off. He
must have been much more sick than persons generally, or he himself, were aware
of, because he was very reluctant to leave.
To-day I had a visit from the Rev. Dr. Pyne, of Washington,
who has come to the army to visit a poor creature, a Frenchman, who deserted
the service and then re-enlisted to get the large bounties. He was sentenced to
be shot, but at the earnest solicitation of Dr. Pyne, and of his
representations, I remitted the sentence to imprisonment at the Dry Tortugas.
I saw General Grant to-day, and we had a laugh over the
ridiculous canard of my being relieved. He then told me he was asked in
Washington if it was true, it being reported at the same time that he had
resigned. These foolish reports were doubtless gotten up for political purposes
and to affect the elections.
To-day Robert Meade1 went down the river in the
flag-of-truce boat, having been exchanged. I saw a young navy officer who was
captured at the same time and exchanged with Robert. He said Robert was well,
but thin, as he had felt his captivity a good deal. His mother will be
delighted to have him once more at home.
_______________
1 Nephew of General Meade.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 234-5
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