CAMP PIERPONT, VA., October
14, 1861.
We see their pickets and lookouts on all prominent points in
front of us, and this afternoon towards sunset they opened a battery on our
left (I mean by ours, McCall’s Division). I saw the flash of the guns, but
could not see where the shot fell, or at what part of our line they were
firing. I think we are on the eve of important events, and that it will not be
long before we have a struggle. For my part, I do not desire it postponed, and was
quite disappointed they did not attack us.
The country is becoming impatient at the apparent inactivity
of our troops, and I have no doubt, if the enemy afford McClellan any chance
which he deems favorable, he will attack them.
I went over to-day to see our friend W. F. Smith, commanding
the division next to us. Madame was there, and I went over by invitation to
luncheon and to see her. She asked where you were, and I said in Philadelphia,
at which she expressed a little surprise, when I told her you had a brigade of
infantry that required as much talent to command and as close attention to
duties as our brigades. I heard Miss Anne Biddle was in camp the other day,
visiting Colonel Charles J.1 By-the-by, I don't remember having told you that
Charley’s regiment (the Bucktails, as they are called, from having this
appendage in their caps) was in my brigade for a week, and when taken from me,
expressed, Colonel and all, the greatest regret, for in that short time we had
become most excellent friends. I met to-day Lieutenant Colonel Penrose,2
who said he was the son of the former Solicitor of the Treasury, and a brother
of Dr. Penrose. This makes the third of your connections in my brigade.
__________
1 Charles J. Biddle, colonel 42d Regt. Pa. Vols.
2 Wm. M. Penrose, lieutenant-colonel 35th Regt.
Pa. Vols.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 223-4
