Meade, George Gordon (1815-1872) to William T. Sherman
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01918 Author/Creator: Meade, George Gordon (1815-1872) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 April 1865 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 20.3 x 12.7 cm. Order a Copy
General Meade writes from Headquarters, Army of the Potomac. A previous assessment indicates this letter, directed to "Genl Cmd'g," is written to General William T. Sherman. Marked "Personal" on docket. Meade declines to send the 3rd Cavalry, since he has no other cavalry. His other cavalry units were previously sent to General Sheridan, and even after applying to General Grant, no cavalry returned. In the area (possibly near Appomattox Court House, Virginia), some blacks have been pillaging the homes of their former masters. Meade notes "there is really some danger of an insurrection," and he needs the cavalry to patrol the area. Mentions General Halleck's acquirement of cavalry from Sheridan. Written on Headquarters, Army of the Potomac stationery.
Headquarters, Army of the Potomac
April 29, 1865
Genl -
It is entirely out of the question for me to [spare] the 3d. Pa Cavalry, for besides its value, it is with [strikeout] other small regiments all the cavalry I have at my command - the rest as you are perhaps aware having been assigned to Genl. Sheridan at the beginning of the campaign & never returned - Soon after coming to this point in view of the necessity of cavalry I applied to [illegible] Genl. Grant to have the Division which always belonged to this army [2] returned but without success. I have daily deputations from the surrounding country as far as 50 miles begging protection from marauders composed of men of both armies, but particularly from the Negroes - who have ceased to work, and are pillaging their former masters. In some cases these negroes are armed, and there is really some danger of an insurrection. My small cavalry [force] [less than 80] is kept constantly on the march patrolling the country & arresting violators of the peace. I trust therefore you will not make any application for the 3d Pa because I shall be compelled to [reject] it - Gen. Halleck has the whole [3] of Sheridans command 3 Divisions to select from & I think ought to find cavalry suitable for his purposes, without taking away mine - I am very much obliged to you for sending the pass to [M.r] Robinson. -
Truly yours,
Geo. G. Meade
[docket]
H-d. Qrs. Army of Potomac
April 29/65 -
Geo. G. Meade
Maj Gen Com'dg
Personal
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