Distinguished Union general (1815–1872) best known for leading his troops to a commanding victory over Lee’s Confederates at Gettysburg in one of the pivotal battles of the Civil War. ALS signed “Geo. C. Meade,” three pages on two lightly-lined adjoining sheets, 8 x 10.5, personal letterhead, November 25, 1869. Letter to Annie. In full: “I hope you will not think I have forgotten the bet I lost to you when in Buffalo. I have been delayed in my return home and somewhat busy since I got back but I have all the time thought of you, how tall you were and how glad I was to lose the bet since it proved what a fine woman you were going to be. I send you by express today, the gloves, and I hope they will prove a good fit.
“Tell your Dear Father I had a very pleasant journey to New York where I remained very busily occupied, so that I had not time to go onto Wall Street and see all our friends there. Tell your Mother I was right sorry I could not stay longer in Buffalo but that enterprising husband of hers would have kept me on the go all the time, and would not have let me see anything of her, if I had staid and that my only chance is to get her in Philad. Where I want her to come & bring you with her and then we will have a jolly time. Remember me to the boys, to Mrs. George and give the dear little baby a right good kiss for me.” In very good to fine condition, with scattered light toning, small separations along intersecting mailing folds, some light edge creases, and pencil notation to top of first page.
The career military officer had recently attended a reunion of Battle of Gettysburg veterans in August of 1869, which was also used as an occasion to promote a Gettysburg memorial. It was during this journey that he encountered some old associates while in New York, apparently including young “Annie”—the daughter of a friend. Pleasant prose, proving Meade an officer and a gentleman. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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