War Department, Washington City, 12 M., February 27,
1865.
I take advantage of a delay, waiting to see the Secretary,
to send you a few lines. I slept nearly all the journey, much to my surprise;
but I was grateful it was so, as I feel in consequence much better than if I
had lain awake all night.
Hardy Norris was very kind to me this morning, and
accompanied me to the hotel, where we breakfasted, after which I came up here.
General Hancock left suddenly yesterday for Western
Virginia. This has given rise to rumor of movements of Lee in that direction,
but I have heard nothing reliable in this respect. I saw General Hooker this
morning at breakfast. He was very affable and civil, and enquired particularly
after you, expressing deep sympathy with us in our affliction. This feeling has
been manifested by all whom I have met, including Senator Foster, Mr. Odell and
others.
I hardly dare think of you in your lonely condition, surrounded
by so many associations of our beloved boy. God have mercy on you and send you
submission and resignation! No human reasoning can afford you or myself any
consolation. Submission to God's will, and the satisfaction arising from the
consciousness that we did our duty by him, is all that is left us.
I shall leave here at 3 P. M., and will write to you on my
arrival at my headquarters.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 264-5
No comments:
Post a Comment