Clapp, George (fl. 1839-1892) to Charlie
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09355.052 Author/Creator: Clapp, George (fl. 1839-1892) Place Written: Camp Sedgwick, Brandy Station, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 March 1864 Pagination: 8 p. : envelope ; 20 x 12.5 cm. Order a Copy
Is about as far from General Meade's headquarters as the distance from their home to the local school house. Never saw it until two days ago. Was given some leisure time while on guard duty and used it to go to Meade's headquarters. It covers "about 4 or 5 acres of ground." Meade's quarters are not as grand as one would think. It consists of "two large tents about 20 feet long and 15 feet wide. He could very easily pass for some attendant instead of the commander of the Army of the Potomac. "His dress is very plain and he does not put on any airs." The provost marshal also resides at the army headquarters, and he holds all of the deserters, spies, guerrillas, and other prisoners. They are tied together by the hands so they cannot escape. A man guards them with a loaded gun and he is relieved every two hours. The prisoners are eventually tried and most are executed either by hanging or firing squad. Spoke with one of the prisoners. He was in most of the same battles as the prisoner, who "expressed a regret that he could not be with his comrades this summer and fight us." Over 50 horses are always bridled, saddled, and ready at Meade's headquarters. Recommends he sell his place even though it is the only place he has ever lived at. People are building up around it and they are about to be "shut in."
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