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. G. Meade,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8, personal letterhead, July 25, 1869. Letter to Mrs Neil. In full: “I have received your letter of the 20th inst. I regret very much that in the matter of your brother’s retention of his counselship that with all my desire to serve you–it will not be in my power so to do. I have no influence with the present administration nor am I in a position to justify my asking anything of the President-he having thought proper (for reasons doubtless good to him, but in which I cannot agree with him) to do me the greatest act of injustice & face saving in placing over my head ‘Maj. Gen’l.’ Sheridan promoting him to the Lieutenant Generalship when my rank and my services, civil + military justified me in claiming & expecting the position.
Pardon my alluding to so unpleasant a subject, but I can in no other way explain my inability to serve you–to satisfy you that I am not imagining difficulties I will tell you that the only two or three requests I have made have been met with flat refusals.
I should think your relative Govr. Dennison would be your most suitable friend… having influence with Mr. Fish Sec’t of State could arrange it for you–There has been to my knowledge such a demand for officers & so much pressure inducing the Sec’t to make all the renewals possible, to have vacancies to fill–that if your brother has been hitherto let alone–I should hope he would not be disturbed- still it is as well as the sailors say to have an anchor to windward or to use the more common expression of ‘a stitch in time’-and I would therefore, if you have influential friends with the Sec’t. Get them to say a few words in your brother’s favor. With real regret that I am unable to assist & with the request you will say nothing of what I have written.”
Two small holes near spine, a uniform shade of mild toning, and light show-through from writing on opposing sides, otherwise fine condition.
The request made of Meade opened some old wounds for the general, who clearly still harbored resentment toward Ulysses S. Grant for “having thought proper (for reasons doubtless good to him, but in which I cannot agree with him) to do me the greatest act of injustice” when he promoted Philip Sheridan ahead of him, “when my rank and my services...justified me in claiming & expecting the position.” In March 1869, Grant ordered Meade to turn over his command to Sheridan, a lower-ranking general, and report for duty at the Military Division of the Atlantic. Wonderful insight into the continued strained relationship between Meade and his former Civil War commander...now the commander-in-chief. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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