George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Major-General United States Army
George Gordon Meade, Ed.

And now as to the subject of brevets mentioned in your last letter, in which you appear mortified at my having been passed over. You doubtless remember I told you I expected nothing of the kind, and consequently am not disappointed. I understand General Taylor did me the honor to name me for promotion on his long list, the one considered too large to send to the Senate; but I was always aware that the nomination of the commanding general was one thing, and the nomination by the ‘President’ another, the one requiring hard service, the other political influence, the curse of our country. If I had strong Locofoco friends at Washington, to back the nomination of General Taylor, I might have hoped to have been rewarded; but on its absence, my claims will meet with no attention. But, in truth, I have but little claim as far as the two battles are concerned. On those days I did my duty, and my duty simply. Opportunities were wanting—and, in fact, seldom occur to staff officers—to perform brilliant feats, such as ensure promotion; but if most faithful attention to those duties for nearly a year preceding, and activity and energy such as (though I say it myself) have attracted attention from various officers, entitle me to the advancement of one grade, an empty honor which brings neither rank nor profit with it, then I can safely appeal to my brother-officers for my credentials in this case.

I write this to you to whom, without incurring the charge of vanity, I can speak of my own services. I can safely say I am pretty much the only officer of my own corps who has done anything, and that, by the blessing of God enabling me to keep in good health, I have been actively employed ever since my arrival at Corpus Christi, this time last year. Therefore, on the ground of meritorious services, I have some claim, and this added to my position on the eighth and ninth (it being customary to promote the staff of a successful general, when they have anything in them to deserve it), would have prepared me not to be surprised, had they thought proper to advance me one grade; but as I said before, knowing how these things are done, I was fully prepared for my not being noticed.

I suppose you know I am simply a Second Lieutenant, and one grade would only have made me a First Lieutenant, bringing no additional consideration or emolument; but it would give me the opportunity, in case of further active service, to reach the next grade, of Captain, which would be of essential importance to me; and besides, it is a public testimonial of your merits, at all times grateful to yourself and friends.

There is much heart-burning in the army at the list confirmed,