Lot 116
Meade, George G (1815-1872) Union major general best known for leading the Army of the Potomac to victory at Gettysburg. Autograph letter signed "Geo. G. Meade" as Maj. Gen., on "Head-Quarters, Army of the Potomac" stationery, 2pp (recto/verso), 8:15, June 4, 1864; with initialed ("GGM") postscript. To Maj. Gen. Wright: "Your dispatch reporting you are in advance of the 18th Corps has been sent to Gen. Smith who is under the impression he is in advance of you. Smith and Hancock are both ordered to push forward. There is not the slightest idea that the 6th Corps is not doing what it always has done early & well. It is a question of judgment as to the timing of assaults which between the three corps may involve delay & failure. Push on & when you think it time to stop report. GGM." Written in pencil; folds and light soiling.
Boatner quotes McMahon's Battles and Leaders: "…Each corps commander reported and complained to General Meade that the other corps commanders…failed to protect him from enfilading fire by silencing batteries in their respective fronts…The three corps had moved upon diverging lines, each directly facing the enemy in its immediate front, and the farther each had advanced the more its flank had become exposed." Boatner adds, "Cold Harbor represents a horrible failure of Federal generalship." Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000
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