Major-General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Mead, March 22, 1864

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, March 22, 1864.

Grant is emphatically an executive man, whose only place is in the field. One object in coming here is to avoid Washington and its entourage. I intend to give him heartiest co-operation, and so far as I am able do just the same when he is present that I would do were he absent.

Hancock is in Washington and will be down to-morrow. He was before the committee to-day. Humphreys has returned, having been before the committee, where he gave testimony about Gettysburg. Have you seen the article in the Herald, signed "Staff Officer, Fifth Corps,"¹ and one in Monday's (yesterday's) paper signed by General Barnes?² I think Historicus after awhile will be sick of his only true and authentic account of the battle.

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1 For article mentioned, see Appendix K.

2 For article mentioned, see Appendix L.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 182

Major-General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Mead, December 28, 1863

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, December 28, 1863.

I was very sorry I could not be at home to spend Christmas with you and the children, but was glad to let George¹ go. I spent a very quiet day in camp, attending to the business of re-enlisting the veteran volunteers, to which I had to give much personal attention, as I had let Williams, Humphreys, and many others, go to Washington to spend the day.

Yesterday General Hancock arrived. He has been with me all the time since his arrival, and we have had a long talk. He says it was undoubtedly intended at first to relieve me, and it was, as I surmised, intimated to him that he would be placed in command. Such was his impression till the day before he came down, when, on reporting to Halleck, he was told the design was abandoned, and that he could go down to his old corps. Hancock further says that Halleck declares he saved me; that they were going to relieve me at once on the receipt of the intelligence that I had returned; but that he, Halleck, said, “No, an officer who gained the battle of Gettysburg is entitled to more consideration. Let us wait and hear what General Meade has to say, and if his report is not satisfactory, then we can act advisedly.” This was agreed to, and the unanimous opinion of all returning officers, together with my report, changed the whole aspect of the case. I must say I am gratified some little consideration was extended towards me and that justice was finally awarded.

I understand there is a bitter article in Wilkes's Spirit of the Times, asserting that Hooker planned the campaign of Gettysburg, and that Butterfield wrote all the orders for the movements, in accordance with Hooker's plans.² I furthermore hear that General Sickles asserts that Hancock selected the position, and that he (Sickles), with his corps, did all the fighting at Gettysburg. So, I presume, before long it will be clearly proved that my presence on the field was rather an injury than otherwise.

The President has written me that he desires to see me upon the subject of executing deserters; so, as soon as I can get time, I shall have to go up to Washington.

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¹ Son of General Meade.

² For article mentioned, see Appendix G.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 163-4

Major-General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Mead, September 11, 1863

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, September 11, 1863.

Everything remains quiet and in statu quo. Humphreys has gone to Philadelphia for a few days to see his wife, who is in the country, and will call to see you, and give you the latest news from camp. I wrote you in my last, of being the recipient of a bouquet from Wisconsin; but since then I have been honored with two very valuable presents. The first is a handsome scarf pin of gold and enamel. It is accompanied with a very flattering note stating it was made in England, and brought over by the donor to be presented in the name of himself and wife, as a tribute of admiration for my great services in saving the country. The note is signed W. H. Schenley, and I think the writer is a Captain Schenley, of the British navy, who many years since married Miss Croghan, of Pittsburgh. Captain Schenley says he intends visiting the army and making my acquaintance.

The second present is five hundred most delicious Havana cigars, sent to me by a Mr. Motley, of New York, whom I accidentally met at the sword presentation to General Sedgwick, and to whom I must have been particularly civil, or in some way made a great impression on him, to induce him to send me five hundred cigars. So you see there is some compensation for the misery we have to suffer.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 147-8

Major General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, May 19, 1863

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 19, 1863.

I am sorry to tell you I am at open war with Hooker. He yesterday came to see me and referred to an article in the Herald, stating that four of his corps commanders were opposed to the withdrawal of the army. He said this was not so, and that Reynolds and myself had determined him to withdraw. I expressed the utmost surprise at this statement; when he said that I had expressed the opinion that it was impracticable to withdraw the army, and therefore I had favored an advance, and as he knew it was perfectly practicable to withdraw, he did not consider my opinion as being in favor of an advance. I replied to him that this was a very ingenious way of stating what I had said; that my opinion was clear and emphatic for an advance; that I had gone so far as to say that I would not be governed by any consideration regarding the safety of Washington, for I thought that argument had paralyzed this army too long. I further said that if the enemy were considered so strong that the safety of the army might be jeopardized in attacking them, then I considered a withdrawal impracticable without running greater risk of destroying the army than by advancing, and that it seemed rather singular that he should set me down as the advocate of a measure which he acknowledged I asserted to be impracticable. He reiterated his opinion and said he should proclaim it. I answered I should deny it, and should call on those who were present to testify as to whether he or I was right. The fact is, he now finds he has committed a grave error, which at the time he was prepared to assume the responsibility of, but now desires to cast it off on to the shoulders of others; but I rather think he will find himself mistaken. At any rate, the entente cordiale is destroyed between us, and I don't regret it, as it makes me more independent and free. I also told him that it was my impression at the time, but that of course it could only be known to himself and his God, that he had made up his mind to withdraw the army before he had heard the opinions of his corps commanders. To this he did not make any reply, and I am satisfied that such was the case. I have not seen Reynolds, or any of the others present on the occasion, since I had this conversation with him, but I intend to address each a letter and ask for their impressions of what I did say. Such things are very painful and embarrassing, but I have always feared the time would come when they would be inevitable with Hooker; for I knew no one would be permitted to stand in his way. I suppose he has heard some of the stories flying round camp in regard to my having the command, and these, in connection with what George Cadwalader told him Governor Curtin said, have induced him to believe that I am manoeuvering to get him relieved, that I may step in his shoes. God knows the injustice he does me, and that I have never spoken a word to any one except Governor Curtin, and to him I never referred to Hooker's being relieved, but only criticised his recent operations, saying nothing more, or if as much, as I have written to you. I can tell him that if he had no stronger enemy than I am, he might rest much more secure than he can, knowing all that I do. I wish he could hear what some others say; he would look on me very differently.

There are two English officers on a visit to the camp. One of them, Lord Abinger (formerly Mr. Scarlett), Lieutenant Colonel of the Scots Fusileer Guards, brought me a letter from George Ramsay. I am going to-morrow to review my corps, and have invited them to be present. Lord Abinger seems a very nice fellow. He was in Philadelphia in 1857, and speaks a great deal about his visit and the people there. He recognized Major Biddle, asked after his mother, and altogether appears quite at home in Philadelphia society.

I have lost nearly a division by the expiration of service of the two-years' and nine-months' men, so that I have had to break up Humphreys's division, and he is going to take command of the division recently commanded by General Berry, in Sickles's corps. I am very sorry to lose Humphreys. He is a most valuable officer, besides being an associate of the most agreeable character.

My relations with Hooker are such that I cannot ask for the necessary leave to go up to Washington, to receive my sword; so unless they take some action and get the Secretary to authorize my going up, I fear it will be some time before I come into possession.

Just think, it is nearly two years, indeed over two years, since we have been separated.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 377-9

Major General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, May 8, 1863

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 8, 1863.

When I last wrote I could get no definite information of George's¹ whereabouts, but to-day Captain Newhall² has returned to headquarters and reports the cavalry all back across the Rappahannock, except two regiments that continued on and have arrived at Yorktown, having succeeded in destroying several bridges on the railroads from hence and Gordonsville to Richmond. Unfortunately our withdrawal across the Rappahannock will prevent advantage being taken of the cavalry success, as they will now have time to repair damages before we can get at them again.

Just after closing my letter yesterday I was summoned to headquarters, where I found the President and General Halleck. The former said he had come down to enquire for himself as to the condition of affairs and desired to see corps commanders. He and Halleck spent a couple of hours, took lunch, and talked of all sorts of things, but nothing was said of our recent operations, or any reference made to the future, nor was any corps commander called on for an opinion. The President remarked that the result was in his judgment most unfortunate; that he did not blame any one — he believed every one had done all in his power; and that the disaster was one that could not be helped. Nevertheless he thought its effect, both at home and abroad, would be more serious and injurious than any previous act of the war. In this I agree with him; and when it comes to be known that it might and should have been avoided, I think the country will hold some one responsible. My conscience and record are fortunately clear. I opposed the withdrawal with all my influence, and I tried all I could, on Sunday morning, to be permitted to take my corps into action, and to have a general battle with the whole army engaged, but I was overruled and censured for sending in a brigade of Humphreys's, which I did in spite of orders to the contrary. General Hooker has disappointed all his friends by failing to show his fighting qualities at the pinch. He was more cautious and took to digging quicker even than McClellan, thus proving that a man may talk very big when he has no responsibility, but that it is quite a different thing, acting when you are responsible and talking when others are. Who would have believed a few days ago that Hooker would withdraw his army, in opposition to the opinion of a majority of his corps commanders? Yet such is absolutely and actually the case.

My corps did not have much of a chance. On Friday, Sykes's division had a very handsome little affair, in which his command behaved very well and gained decided advantages, driving the enemy before them; but Sykes was recalled just as his advance was successful. In the evening he repelled an attack of the enemy. On Sunday, Humphreys's two brigades were engaged, creditably and successfully, and on Monday a brigade of Griffin's was sent forward to engage and feel the enemy's position, which duty was successfully accomplished. The heavy fighting, however, of Saturday and Sunday was done by Slocum, Couch and Sickles, particularly the latter, whose losses are greater than any other corps, unless it be Sedgwick's, which suffered very severely in his attempt to attack the enemy from Fredericksburg.

I have been a good deal flattered by the expression of opinion on the part of many officers, that they thought and wished I should be placed in command, and poor Hooker himself, after he had determined to withdraw, said to me, in the most desponding manner, that he was ready to turn over to me the Army of the Potomac; that he had enough of it, and almost wished he had never been born. Since seeing the President, however, he seems in better spirits, and I suppose, unless some strong pressure is brought to bear from external sources, he will not be disturbed. Hooker has one great advantage over his predecessors in not having any intriguer among his subordinate generals, who are working like beavers to get him out and themselves in.

For some reason or other they have prohibited bringing newspapers to camp, so that I am completely in the dark as to public opinion.

__________

¹ Son of General Meade.

² Frederick C. Newhall, of Philadelphia, aide-de-camp to General Pleasanton.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 371-3

Major General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, January 28, 1863

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., January 28, 1863.

Your anxiety lest I should be placed in command of the army causes me to smile. Still, I must confess when such men as Gibbon say it is talked about, it really does look serious and alarming; yet, when I look back on the good fortune which has thus far attended my career, I cannot believe so sudden a change for the worse can occur as would happen if I were placed in command. I think, therefore, we may for the present dismiss our fears on that score. General Hooker has been two days in Washington. I am looking anxiously for his return to hear what will be the result. Before he was placed in command he was open-mouthed and constant in his assertions that he did not want to command, and that he would not command unless he was perfectly untrammeled and allowed in every respect to do exactly as he pleased. Now, I am quite confident no such conditions will be acceded to in Washington. Hence, either "Fighting Joe" will have to back down or some one else will be sent to take the command. From my knowledge of friend Hooker, I am inclined to surmise the former will be the case. But even supposing they give him carte-blanche, his position is anything but enviable. This army is in a false position, both as regards the enemy and the public. With respect to the enemy, we can literally do nothing, and our numbers are inadequate to the accomplishment of any result even if we go to the James River. On the other hand, the wise public are under the delusion that we are omnipotent, and that it is only necessary to go ahead to achieve unheard-of success. Of course, under such circumstances, neither Csesar, Napoleon nor any other mighty genius could fail to meet with condemnation, never mind what he did, and Hooker, I fancy, will find in time his fate in the fate of his predecessors, namely, undue and exaggerated praise before he does anything, and a total absence of reason and intelligence in the discussion of his acts when he does attempt anything, and a denial of even ordinary military qualifications unless he achieves impossibilities. Such being the case, he certainly is not to be envied. I think when his head is cut off, the Administration will try a general of their own kidney, either Fremont, Hunter or some other. Of course, so long as Hooker is absent, I continue in command of the Centre Grand Division, but I am more and more inclined to believe that his visit to Washington will result in the abolition of the grand-division system altogether, and the return to corps alone. I hope I shall retain the Fifth Corps, as it is one of the best, including as it does the regulars.

Humphreys has gone to Washington. I believe I wrote you he behaved with distinguished gallantry at Fredericksburg. It appears that soon after the battle, Burnside told him both the President and Secretary assured him solemnly that Humphreys should be immediately promoted. He now finds a long list sent to the Senate, including such names as Butterfield, Sickles, Berry and others, who have really done nothing, while his name is omitted, and he cannot hear that there is any record in the Department going to show he has ever even been thought of. Under these circumstances he is naturally very indignant. This is all entre nous. Just as I had gotten thus far, I heard Hooker had returned, and notwithstanding it is storming and snowing violently, I rode three miles to his headquarters to see him, and have just returned. He seemed in excellent spirits, said they had treated him "en prince" in Washington, and told him he had only to ask and he should have what he wanted. He did not tell me his plans, but intimated that as soon as the weather and the roads permitted he was prepared to try something.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 351-2

Brigadier General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, October 13, 1862

October 13.

Stuart has succeeded in eluding all our pursuing parties, and has crossed the Potomac near the mouth of the Monocacy, having passed completely around our army and stripped the country clean on his track. This is the third time the rascal has successfully accomplished this feat, and I think it is almost time we had learned how to meet and defeat him. I expected, however, that he would get off, because our cavalry was scattered, and could not be collected in time to oppose him and cut him off. This will be a mortifying affair to McClellan, and will do him, I fear, serious injury. I am getting very tired of inactivity, and though I am not fond of fighting, yet if we have to do it, I think the sooner we get at it and have it over the better. I have just been to see Humphreys, who has a division of raw Pennsylvania troops right near us. I was mistaken in saying the Corn Exchange regiment was in his division. It is attached to the division commanded by Major General Morrell.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 319-20

XXXVIIIth Congress -- First Session

WASHINGTON, May 19.

SENATE. – Memorials from the merchants of New York and Philadelphia, asking for a general bankrupt law, were presented.

Mr. Grimes offered a resolution that the Secretary of War report to the Senate the names of the persons appointed to the staffs of the different officers, where now employed on the staff, of what officer and by whose recommendation appointed.  Adopted.

Mr. Grimes introduced a bill for the relief of Robt. Small and others, (colored,) who recently delivered the rebel vessel Planter to Com. Dupont’s squadron.

The bill provides that the Planter, with all the cargo, appurtenances, &c, be appraised by a competent board of officers and that one-half the value thereof shall go to Rob’t Small, and his associates who assisted in the rescue of the Planter, with the provision that the Secretary of the Navy may invest the same in United States stocks.  The interest to be paid to Small and his associates, or heirs.  The bill was taken up and passed.

Mr. Wilson, of Mass., called up the resolution providing for the presentation of medals of honor to men who distinguishes themselves in battle. Passed.

Mr. Davis offered an amendment to the 3d section, which disqualifies persons guilty of offences named in the bill, such persons also forfeit all claims to citizenship.  Rejected – 12 against 26.

Mr. Powell moved to strike out the 11th section, which authorizes the President to employ and organize persons of African descent, as he may deem necessary, to suppress the rebellion.  Rejected – 11 against 25.

Mr. Henderson moved to strike out the first section and insert as a substitute, that any person hereafter convicted of treason shall suffer death or imprisonment, and forfeit all property during life.

The Confiscation bill was taken up, and Mr. Sumner proceeded to speak at length in favor of the principle of confiscation and emancipation of the slaves of rebels and urging the adoption of his substitute.

HOUSE. – Mr. Bingham, from the special committee of the House, reported articles of impeachment against West H. Humphreys, judge of the District Court of the United States for the several districts of Tennessee.  There are several separate charges in the name of the people of the United States, involving gross neglect of official duty, violation of the laws, endeavoring to excite revolt and rebellion, publishing the ordinance of secession of Tennessee, endeavoring to absolve the people from their allegiance, combining with Jeff. Davis and other evil minded persons to overthrow the authority of the United States, &c.; and demanding that Humphreys may be put to answer the high crimes and misdemeanors charged against him; and that proceedings be taken for his examination and trial, as may be agreeable to law and justice.  The report was agreed to.

On motion of Mr. Bingham a resolution was adopted appointing five managers to conduct the impeachment, and that the Senate be acquainted with the action of the House, with the view of concurrent action.  The House then went into committee of the whole, Washburn in the chair, and took up the navy appropriation bill.  Mr. Hutchins advocated the bill heretofore introduce by him, to equalized and reduce the various incongruous rates of postage.  He advocated two cents postage, the money order system, and the abolition of the franking privilege.

Mr. Richardson spoke against legislation, which discouraged Union sentiment, while the effort was making to place the negro on an equality with the whites.

Various minor amendments were discussed and adopted.  $48,000 was appropriated for rent and expenses of the Naval Academy at Newport.  The bill was finally reported to the House and passed.

Adjourned.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, May 20, 1862, p. 1

XXXVIIth Congress -- First Session

WASHINGTON, May 8.

SENATE. – The resolution impeaching Judge Humphreys was read from the House, and referred to a select committee, consisting of Messrs. Foster, Doolittle and Davis.

The bill establishing a port of entry at Hilton S. C., was received from the House and passed.

Mr. Wright presented a petition from citizens of Florida, asking for a confiscation bill.

The bill making appropriations for the deficiencies in the payment of volunteers was taken up.  After debate relative to the number of men now in the army, the bill was passed.

The bill limiting the number of Brigadier and Major Generals was passed, Mr. Hale’s amendment being rejected.  It limits the number of Major Generals to 80, and Brigadiers tow 200.

Mr. Sumner offered a resolution saying that it was inexpedient that victories obtained over our own citizens be placed on the regimental colors of the U. S.

The bill establishing the department of agriculture was taken up and passed.

After debate, the question was taken on Foster’s substitute, making a bureau of agriculture in the Department of the Secretary of the Interior.  Lost 18 against 18.  The bill as reported to the Senate passed – 25 to 12.

The bill for the appointment of medical storekeepers was amended so as to authorize the President to appoint Chaplains for hospitals, and passed.

Mr. Doolittle called up his bill to collect taxes on lands and insurrectionary districts. – He explained its provisions, when the bill was postponed until to-morrow.

The bill for the education of colored children in the District of Columbia, providing a tax of 10 per cent. upon the colored residents therefore, was taken up.

Mr. Wilson, of Mass., moved a new section, making all persons of color in the District amenable to the same laws as whites.  Adopted.  The amendment repeals the black code of the District.  On the passage of the bill, no quorum voted.

Mr. Hale introduced a bill to abolish the office of Marshal of the District of Columbia, and establishing that of Sheriff.

Mr. Grimes presented the petition of Gen. Sigel and other officers, asking for a German professorship at West Point, and recommending Reinhaldt Solger for the office.

HOUSE. – The Iowa contested election case was taken up.  It involves the question whether a member of Congress can hold a seat and commission in the volunteers at the same time, and refers especially to Vandever, who commands a regiment.

On motion of Mr. Washburne, it was postponed till the first Wednesday in December.

The bill organizing the territorial government of Arizona was taken up and passed.  The bill repeals all laws in the organizing of territories recognizing the relation of master and slave, and prohibits slavery therein.

The bill extending the eastern limits of Nevada sixty miles was passed.

Mr. Lovejoy called up the bill abolishing slavery within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government.  The house refused by 50 to 60 to table the bill.

Mr. Mallory raised a point that the bill was not regularly before the House, which the Speaker overruled.

Mr. Lovejoy called for the previous question.

Without coming to a vote the house adjourned.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 10, 1862, p. 2

XXXVIIth Congress -- First Session

WASHINGTON, May 7.

SENATE. – Mr. McDougal from the naval committee, reported a bill for the relief of Capt. D. G. Farragut.  The bill authorizes the payment of advances made by him while in California.  It passed.

A committee from the House appeared and impeached Judge Humphreys of Tenn.

The president said the Senate would take proper order in the premises.

HOUSE. –Mr. Elliott from the committee on commerce, reported a bill establishing a port of entry and delivery in the collection district of Beaufort S. C., at or near Hilton Head, to be called the Port of Port Royal, providing for the appointment of a collector at a salary of $1,500 per annum, and for weighers, guagers; &c.

Mr. Elliott remarked that a letter from the Secretary had been sent to the committee, stating the importance of this measure.  The bill was passed.

Mr. Crisfield caused to be read the resolution of the Maryland Legislature, appropriating $10,000 for the relief of the families of those Massachusetts 6th, who suffered by the 19th of April riot in Baltimore, and the response of the Massachusetts Legislature in acknowledgment of the generous sympathies and kind fraternal feelings they exhibited, which should always prevail among the States of the Union.

Mr. Crisfield said these proceedings afforded some sign of a restoration of peaceful relations, while we were receiving accounts of the glorious success of our arms.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 8, 1862, p. 1