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

[347] hotel, and at 9 P. M., left in a special steamer for Acquia Creek, reaching my tent and bed at 3 A. M., this morning. I met at Willards, Burnside's Aide, who told me he thought I might venture to remain another day, but as I really had finished all I had to do in Washington, and there was nothing to detain me, I determined to come back. To-day I have been employed seeing Hooker and Burnside, the latter of whom insisted on my dining with him, and was very complimentary on my promptitude in returning, saying he believed I was the only officer in his command that had come back when he was told to do so, and had not overstayed his leave. I could not get any definite information about our movements, though everything looks as if we were going some day to move.

I was treated with great distinction in Washington, and Aleck. Coxe was greatly delighted with the number of inquiries as to who I was, and the very general knowledge of my name, but not of my person. He overheard two gentlemen talking, one of whom said, ‘What major general is that,’ to which the other replied, ‘Meade.’ ‘Who is he,’ said the first, ‘I never saw him before.’ ‘No, that is very likely, for he is one of our fighting generals, is always on the field, and does not spend his time in Washington hotels.’ I saw of course a good many people, principally army officers.

To-day I have taken a long ride up the river, looking out for suitable crossing places. I could plainly see the enemy's pickets and their camps, and I think it will be very hard to find any place where they are not on the qui-vive and looking out for us. On my return I met the pontoon-train going up the river, which is significant, though I did not find in camp any orders, as I expected.

We have been under orders to move, but for some reason or other the final orders have not yet been received. I believe it is Burnside's intention to make another attempt to dislodge the enemy on the opposite side, but profitting by the experience gained in the last effort, he is determined this time to proceed cautiously and securely, to cross the whole army near one place, and not attack until after a close examination of their position he is satisfied he can attack with probability of success. However, the attack when made will be in heavy force, well supported. If this programme is carried out, I believe