Archive Record
Metadata
Accession number |
2005.201 |
Catalog Number |
2005.201 |
Collection |
Pearce Civil War Collection |
Object Name |
Orders, Military |
Title |
Meade (George Gordon) Papers, 1863-1864 |
Creator |
Meade, George G. |
Date |
June 28, 1863 |
Dates of Creation |
1863 |
Scope & Content |
This collection of General Meade's papers consist of two letters and one General Order (#66) signed and dated by Meade. The first, dated October 13, 1863 concerns action at Gettysburg. The second, dated May 11, 1864 and written on army stationery and is addressed to Brig. General Horatio G. Wright on the eve of the struggle that came to be known as "The Bloody Angle of Spotsylvania." General Order #66 is Meade's handwritten document in which he assumes command of the Army of the Potomac. The first of two letters, a one-page signed note and dated Oct 13, 1863, from "Hq A. P. Oct. 13 63" to "My Dear Coppee" [Henry Coppee, writer on military subjects] informing the recipient that he is enclosing a sketch of the field at Gettysburg and promising a detailed map at a later date [neither are present with this letter]. Signed "Truly yours, Geo. G. Meade, Maj Genl." In the May 1864 letter, written during the Spotsylvania Campaign, Commander George G. Meade directs a dawn assault against Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. This urgent battlefield communication to General Wright concerns Meade's orders to General Hancock in the upcoming action. He urges Wright to maintain his present position saying "My own impression is it would be better not to attract the attention of the enemy to this point any more than is absolutely necessary." General Order #66 dated June 28, 1863 is Meade's handwritten order assuming command of the Army of the Potomac. He states, "Whatever fatigues and sacrifices we may be called upon to undergo, let us have in view constantly the magnitude of the intensity involved and let each man determine to do his duty, leaving to an all controlling Providence the decision of the contest." |
People |
Meade, George Gordon Wright, Horatio G. Coppee, Henry |
Search Terms |
General Order Number 66 Battle of Gettysburg Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse |
Credit line |
Pearce Civil War Collection |