CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, January
26, 1863.
We are much excited by rumors of what is going to be done.
It is generally believed Burnside is in Washington, though when you go to see
him, as I did yesterday, you are informed he is out riding.
This war will never be terminated until one side or the
other has been well whipped, and this result cannot be brought about except by
fighting. Hence, although I like fighting as little as any man, yet if it has
to be done, and I don't see how it can be avoided, I am of Shakespeare's
opinion, “if it were done, then 't were well it were done quickly.”
I send you three letters which I think you will be
interested in reading, and which you may as well keep as mementoes of the war.
The first is from Levi Richards, a private in the Pennsylvania Reserves, who
was detailed as a teamster and drove my wagon while I was connected with the
Reserves. His letter is spontaneous, he having nothing, as he says, to gain by
it, as we are now separated, but it is gratifying to me as an evidence of the
opinion entertained of me by the soldiers of my command. The second is from
Surgeon Pineo, one of the most accomplished officers of his department, who was
under me, while I had command of the First Corps, as medical director. He asked
me to recommend him for promotion, which I did, and his letter in reply shows what
some officers think of me. The other is from Hon. William Wilkins, formerly
judge in Pennsylvania, Senator and Secretary of War. He desires a favor for his
grandson, but he is pleased to say I am powerful and in favor, hence his letter
indicates in some measure public opinion in regard to me. I send them because,
knowing how much you think of me, I know it will gratify you to know that
others have a favorable opinion. This may be vanity, but I deem it pardonable
in writing to one's wife.
George1 gave me my spectacles, and the glasses
suit exactly, and are truly welcome, for a day or two before we moved, I was on
horseback, when a sudden puff of wind carried away the only pair of spectacles
I had, and for a few minutes I was in despair, until fortunately my orderly
found them. Now I am provided against such accidents.
__________
1 Son of General Meade.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 349-50
