Details
MEADE, GEORGE GORDON, Major General, Autograph letter signed TO MAJ. GENL. HENRY W. HALLECK, "Head-quarters, Army of the Potomac," 2 November 1863. 4 pages, 8vo.
In the wake of the Union victory at Gettysburg, Meade had cautiously followed Lee's army southwards. Lee resumed the offensive and by several astute manoeuvers (culminating in the battles of Bristoe Station and Rappahannock Bridge) forced Meade to retreat. Meade outlines his proposed strategy to Halleck, General-in-Chief of the Armies. "...No material change in the position of the enemy has been reported since my last dispatch...A contraband [fleeing black slave] who came into our lines yesterday, was leaving Richmond on the 23rd...and that on the train with him to Culpepper C[ourt] H[ouse] there came four thousand troops. The fact, if true, that Lee is receiving re-inforcements, together with other indications, ...such as moving camps, strengthening of pickets...would induce the supposition that perhaps he may again advance. From the best judgement I can form his army is massed between the Rappahanock & Culpepper, prepared to dispute the passage of the river either at the R.R. crossing, or on his immediate right flank....I therefore do not think I could with any probability of success advance against him in either of the above directions...." Meade assesses the possible chances of a flanking movement, and concludes that he "has determined to attempt the movement by his right [flank], throwing the whole army army rapidly & secretly, across the Rappahannock at Banks Ford...& Fredericksburg & taking position in the heights beyond the town. The success of this movement will depend on its celerity & its being kept from the enemy....If my movement can be started before he [Lee] is apprised of it...I...believe it will be successful as far as effecting a lodgement in the heights...."
In the end, when Mead crossed the Rappahannock and moved south Lee's cavalry had already scouted the manoeuver. The Army of the Potomac, deprived of surprise, found Lee's army solidly entrenched along Mine Run to block the way south. Thwarted in their pursuit of Lee, to Lincoln's great dissatisfaction, Meade and his army went into winter bivouac around Culpepper Court House. In the Spring, Grant would take command of a new offensive.
In the wake of the Union victory at Gettysburg, Meade had cautiously followed Lee's army southwards. Lee resumed the offensive and by several astute manoeuvers (culminating in the battles of Bristoe Station and Rappahannock Bridge) forced Meade to retreat. Meade outlines his proposed strategy to Halleck, General-in-Chief of the Armies. "...No material change in the position of the enemy has been reported since my last dispatch...A contraband [fleeing black slave] who came into our lines yesterday, was leaving Richmond on the 23rd...and that on the train with him to Culpepper C[ourt] H[ouse] there came four thousand troops. The fact, if true, that Lee is receiving re-inforcements, together with other indications, ...such as moving camps, strengthening of pickets...would induce the supposition that perhaps he may again advance. From the best judgement I can form his army is massed between the Rappahanock & Culpepper, prepared to dispute the passage of the river either at the R.R. crossing, or on his immediate right flank....I therefore do not think I could with any probability of success advance against him in either of the above directions...." Meade assesses the possible chances of a flanking movement, and concludes that he "has determined to attempt the movement by his right [flank], throwing the whole army army rapidly & secretly, across the Rappahannock at Banks Ford...& Fredericksburg & taking position in the heights beyond the town. The success of this movement will depend on its celerity & its being kept from the enemy....If my movement can be started before he [Lee] is apprised of it...I...believe it will be successful as far as effecting a lodgement in the heights...."
In the end, when Mead crossed the Rappahannock and moved south Lee's cavalry had already scouted the manoeuver. The Army of the Potomac, deprived of surprise, found Lee's army solidly entrenched along Mine Run to block the way south. Thwarted in their pursuit of Lee, to Lincoln's great dissatisfaction, Meade and his army went into winter bivouac around Culpepper Court House. In the Spring, Grant would take command of a new offensive.