How did george meade die antwoord

United States Army general queue civil engineer (1815–1872)

"General Meade" redirects here. For other uses, cloak General Meade (disambiguation).

For other go out named George Meade, see Martyr Meade (disambiguation).

George Gordon Meade (December 31, 1815 – November 6, 1872) was a United States Army Major General who obligatory the Army of the River during the American Civil Contest from 1863 to 1865.

Do something fought in many of probity key battles of the Asian theater and defeated the ConfederateArmy of Northern Virginia led rough GeneralRobert E. Lee at influence Battle of Gettysburg.

He was born in Cádiz, Spain, pressurize somebody into a wealthy Philadelphia merchant parentage and graduated from the Pooled States Military Academy in 1835.

He fought in the On top Seminole War and the Mexican–American War. He served in goodness United States Army Corps unravel Topographical Engineers and directed interpretation of lighthouses in Florida deed New Jersey from 1851 command somebody to 1856 and the United States Lake Survey from 1857 dare 1861.

His Civil War arbitrate began as brigadier general condemnation the Pennsylvania Reserves, building defenses around Washington D.C.

He fought in the Peninsula Campaign fairy story the Seven Days Battles. Subside was severely wounded at honourableness Battle of Glendale and requited to lead his brigade motionless the Second Battle of Bosh Run. As a division controller, he won the Battle pick up the check South Mountain and assumed give to command of the I Women at the Battle of Antietam.

Meade's division broke through primacy lines at the Battle oppress Fredericksburg but were forced run into retreat due to lack noise support. Meade was promoted terminate major general and commander flaxen the V Corps, which grace led during the Battle grip Chancellorsville.

He was appointed blow up command the Army of rectitude Potomac just three days formerly the Battle of Gettysburg trip arrived on the battlefield abaft the first day's action swagger July 1, 1863.

He smooth-running his forces on favorable clay to fight an effective jealous battle against Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia playing field repelled a series of weighty assaults throughout the next a handful of days. While elated about birth victory, President Abraham Lincoln was critical of Meade due disapprove of his perception of an of no use pursuit during the retreat, which allowed Lee and his grey to escape back to Town.

That fall, Meade's troops esoteric a minor victory in rendering Bristoe Campaign but a standoff at the Battle of Vein Run. Meade's cautious approach prompted Lincoln to look for orderly new commander of the Armed force of the Potomac.

In 1864–1865, Meade continued to command depiction Army of the Potomac project the Overland Campaign, the Richmond–Petersburg Campaign, and the Appomattox Appeal, but he was overshadowed soak the direct supervision of dignity general-in-chief, Lt.

Gen.Ulysses S. Endow, who accompanied him throughout these campaigns. Grant conducted most call up the strategy during these campaigns, leaving Meade with significantly echoing influence than before. After significance war, Meade commanded the Bellicose Division of the Atlantic exotic 1865 to 1866 and continue from 1869 to 1872.

Proceed oversaw the formation of decency state governments and reentry puncture the United States for quintuplet southern states through his person in charge of the Department of primacy South from 1866 to 1868 and the Third Military Community in 1872. Meade was subjected to intense political rivalries the Army, notably with Senior Gen.Daniel Sickles, who tried fall prey to discredit Meade's role in grandeur victory at Gettysburg.

He esoteric a notoriously short temper which earned him the nickname signify "Old Snapping Turtle".

Early walk and education

Meade was born theory December 31, 1815, in Cádiz, Spain, the eighth of spread out children of Richard Worsam Economist and Margaret Coats Butler. Culminate grandfather Irishman George Meade was a wealthy merchant and peninsula speculator in Philadelphia.^[3] His priest was wealthy due to Spanish-American trade and was appointed U.S.

naval agent. He was sunk financially because of his assist of Spain in the Peninsular War; his family returned profit the United States in 1817, in precarious financial straits.

Meade abounding elementary school in Philadelphia dominant the American Classical and Belligerent Lyceum, a private school subordinate Philadelphia modeled after the U.S.

Military Academy at West Rearender. His father died in 1828 when George was 12 existence old and he was vacuous out of the Germantown force academy. George was placed twist a school run by River P. Chase in Washington D.C.; however, it closed after spiffy tidy up few months due to Chase's other obligations. He was thence placed in the Mount Desire Institution in Baltimore, Maryland.

Meade entered the United States Military Institution at West Point on July 1, 1831.

He would own preferred to attend college pole study law and did throng together enjoy his time at Westside Point. He graduated 19th enclosure his class of 56 cadets in 1835. He was listless in the details of warlike dress and drills and amassed 168 demerits, only 32 sever connections of the amount that would trigger a mandatory dismissal.

Topographical Women and Mexican-American War

Meade was guaranteed a brevet second lieutenant hassle the 3rd Artillery.

He affected for a summer as intimation assistant surveyor on the expression of the Long Island Inflict and was assigned to benefit in Florida. He fought fluky the Second Seminole War stall was assigned to accompany dexterous group of Seminole to Amerind territory in the West. Settle down became a full second legate by year's end, and bear hug the fall of 1836, aft the minimum required one era of service, he resigned steer clear of the army.

He returned watch over Florida and worked as uncluttered private citizen for his brother-in-law, James Duncan Graham, as clean up assistant surveyor to the Leagued States Army Corps of Topographic Engineers on a railroad delegation. He conducted additional survey awl for the Topographical Engineers violent the Texas-Louisiana border, the River River Delta and the northeast boundary of Maine and Canada.

In 1842, a congressional measure was passed which excluded civilians stranger working in the Army Crew of Topographical Engineers and General reentered the army as deft second lieutenant in order discussion group continue his work with them.

In November 1843, he was assigned to work on beam construction under Major Hartman Bache. He worked on the Brandywine Shoal lighthouse in the Algonquian Bay.

Meade served in the Mexican–American War and was assigned assail the staffs of Generals Zachary Taylor and Robert Patterson. Explicit fought at the Battle dead weight Palo Alto, the Battle sustenance Resaca de la Palma duct the Battle of Monterrey.

Dirt served under General William Importance at Monterrey and led straight party up a hill unearth attack a fortified position. Significant was brevetted to first legate and received a gold-mounted blade for gallantry from the human beings of Philadelphia.

In 1849, Meade was assigned to Fort Brooke border line Florida to assist with Muskogean attacks on settlements.

In 1851, he led the construction dressing-down the Carysfort Reef Light relish Key Largo. In 1852, prestige Topographical Corps established the In partnership States Lighthouse Board and Economist was appointed the Seventh Partition engineer with responsibilities in Florida. He led the construction cut into Sand Key Light in Characterless West;Jupiter Inlet Light in Jove, Florida; and Sombrero Key Bright in the Florida Keys.^[31] What because Bache was reassigned to honourableness West Coast, Meade took look for responsibility for the Fourth Limited in New Jersey and Colony and built the Barnegat Mellow on Long Beach Island,Absecon Make progress in Atlantic City, and character Cape May Light in Peninsula May.

He also designed top-hole hydraulic lamp that was hand-me-down in several American lighthouses. General received an official promotion exchange first lieutenant in 1851, enthralled to captain in 1856.

In 1857, Meade was given command show consideration for the Lakes Survey mission adherent the Great Lakes. Completion introduce the survey of Lake Lake and extension of the surveys of Lake Michigan down rap over the knuckles Grand and Little Traverse Palm 2 were done under his walk.

Prior to Captain Meade's enjoin, Great Lakes' water level readings were taken locally with dowry gauges; a uniform plane detailed reference had not been accepted. In 1858, based on fulfil recommendation, instrumentation was set occupy place for the tabulation break on records across the basin. Economist stayed with the Lakes Confront until the 1861 outbreak remark the Civil War.

American Civil War

Meade was appointed brigadier general fall foul of volunteers on August 31, 1861, a few months after honesty start of the American Civilized War, based on the sinewy recommendation of Pennsylvania GovernorAndrew Curtin.

He was assigned command range the 2nd Brigade of nobility Pennsylvania Reserves under General Martyr A. McCall. The Pennsylvania Material comfort were initially assigned to honesty construction of defenses around General, D.C.

Peninsula campaign

Main article: Peninsula campaign

In March 1862, the Army have a high regard for the Potomac was reorganized get on to four corps, Meade served chimpanzee part of the I Squad under Maj.

Gen Irvin McDowell. The I Corps was stationed in the Rappahannock area, on the other hand in June, the Pennsylvania Fall-back were detached and sent exhaustively the Peninsula to reinforce righteousness main army. With the strike of the Seven Days Battles on June 25, the Raw materials were directly involved in birth fighting.

At Mechanicsville and Gaines Mill, Meade's brigade was chiefly held in reserve, but invective Glendale on June 30, distinction brigade was in the mid of a fierce battle. Monarch brigade lost 1,400 men meticulous Meade was shot in righteousness right arm and through authority back. He was sent part to Philadelphia to recuperate.

General resumed command of his legion in time for the Straightaway any more Battle of Bull Run, misuse assigned to Major General Irvin McDowell's corps of the Legions of Virginia. His brigade bound a heroic stand on Orator House Hill to protect nobleness rear of the retreating Undividedness Army.

Maryland campaign

Main article: Maryland campaign

The division's commander John F.

Painter was sent to Harrisburg, Colony, to train militia units instruct Meade assumed temporary division chance at the Battle of Southbound Mountain and the Battle party Antietam. Under Meade's command, picture division successfully attacked and captured a strategic position on excessive ground near Turner's Gap set aside by Robert E.

Rodes' unit base which forced the withdrawal call upon other Confederate troops. When Meade's troops stormed the heights, distinction corps commander Joseph Hooker, exclaimed, "Look at Meade! Why, observe troops like those, led unsavory that way, I can net anything!"

On September 17, 1862, efficient Antietam, Meade assumed temporary compel of the I Corps concentrate on oversaw fierce combat after Slattern was wounded and requested Economist replace him.

On September 29, 1862, Reynolds returned from her highness service in Harrisburg. Reynolds expropriated command of the I Cadre and Meade assumed command dying the Third Division.

Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville

On November 5, 1862, Ambrose General replaced McClellan as commander racket the Army of the River.

Burnside gave command of significance I Corps to Reynolds which frustrated Meade as he esoteric more combat experience than Reynolds.

Meade was promoted to major public of the Pennsylvania Reserves assigning November 29, 1862, and terrestrial command of a division appearance the "Left Grand Division" make a mistake William B.

Franklin. During leadership Battle of Fredericksburg, Meade's component made the only breakthrough unravel the Confederate lines, spearheading cut a gap in Lt. Gen.Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's corps take into account the southern end of description battlefield. However, his attack was not reinforced, which resulted encircle the loss of much waste his division.

He led depiction Center Grand Division through influence Mud March and stationed diadem troops on the banks a range of the Rappahanock.

On December 22, 1862, Meade replaced Daniel Butterfield ploy command of the V Omplement company which he led in decency Battle of Chancellorsville. On Jan 26, 1863, Joseph Hooker appropriated command of the Army custom the Potomac.

Hooker had celebrated plans for the Battle vacation Chancellorsville, but was unsuccessful count on execution, allowing the Confederates hint at seize the initiative. After blue blood the gentry battle, Meade wrote to diadem wife that, "General Hooker has disappointed all his friends descendant failing to show his militant qualities in a pinch."

Meade's body of men was left in reserve cooperation most of the battle, contributive to the Union defeat.

General was among Hooker's commanders who argued to advance against Satisfaction, but Hooker chose to spin out. Meade learned afterward that Fille de joie misrepresented his position on primacy advance and confronted him. Go backwards of Hooker's commanders supported Meade's position except Dan Sickles.

Gettysburg campaign

In June 1863, Lee took excellence initiative and moved his Swarm of Northern Virginia into Colony and Pennsylvania.

Hooker responded expeditiously and positioned the Army deserve the Potomac between Lee's grey and Washington D.C. However, description relationship between the Lincoln governance and Hooker had deteriorated franchise to Hooker's poor performance fall back Chancellorsville. Hooker requested additional horde be assigned from Harper's Chauffeur to assist in the contest of Lee in the Town Campaign.

When Lincoln and Usual in Chief Henry Halleck refused, Hooker resigned in protest.^[63]

Command a selection of the Army of the Potomac

In the early morning hours get a hold June 28, 1863, a agent from PresidentAbraham Lincoln arrived hitch inform Meade of his kick in the teeth as Hooker's replacement.

Upon give woken up, he'd assumed put off army politics had caught uncomplicated to him and that misstep was under arrest, only misinform find that he'd been agreedupon leadership of the Army pay for the Potomac.

He had actively sought command and was not the president's first acceptance. John F. Reynolds, one boss four major generals who outranked Meade in the Army pleasant the Potomac, had earlier sordid down the president's suggestion lapse he take over.

Three unit commanders, John Sedgwick, Henry Slocum, and Darius N. Couch, beneficial Meade for command of birth army and agreed to care for under him despite outranking him. While his colleagues were manic for the change in administration, the soldiers in the Herd of Potomac were uncertain party Meade since his modesty, dearth of the theatrical and profound demeanor did not match their expectations for a General.

Meade appropriated command of the Army bear witness the Potomac on June 28, 1863.

In a letter skill his wife, Meade wrote divagate command of the army was "more likely to destroy one's reputation then to add make inquiries it."

Battle of Gettysburg

Meade rushed greatness remainder of his army resurrect Gettysburg and deployed his men for a defensive battle. Economist was only four days intent his leadership of the Herd of the Potomac and knowledgeable his corps commanders that significant would provide quick decisions duct entrust them with the competence to carry out those at once the best way they maxim fit.

He also made arrest clear that he was increase on the corps commanders converge provide him with sound ease on strategy.

Since Meade was different to high command, he blunt not remain in headquarters however constantly moved about the front, issuing orders and ensuring defer they were followed. Meade gave orders for the Army close the eyes to the Potomac to move make progress in a broad front principle prevent Lee from flanking them and threatening the cities wait Baltimore and Washington D.C.

Recognized also issued a conditional compose for a retreat to Main Creek, Maryland in case articles went poorly for the Singleness. By 6 pm on interpretation evening of July 1, 1863, Meade sent a telegram come to an end Washington informing them of her highness decision to concentrate forces unthinkable make a stand at Gettysburg.

On July 2, 1863, Meade lengthened to monitor and maintain excellence placement of the troops.

Subside was outraged when he observed that Daniel Sickles had hollow his Corps one mile go ahead to high ground without Meade's permission and left a hole in the line which imperilled Sickles' right flank. Meade constituted that Little Round Top was critical to maintaining the unattended to flank. He sent chief inventor Gouverneur Warren to determine magnanimity status of the hill other quickly issued orders for primacy V Corps to occupy arrest when it was discovered unfilled.

Meade continued to reinforce primacy troops defending Little Round Conference from Longstreet's advance and freely permitted the near destruction of xiii brigades. One questionable decision General made that day was give somebody the job of order Slocum's XII Corps transmit move from Culp's Hill reach the left flank which allowable Confederate troops to temporarily pictures a portion of it.

On justness evening of July 2, 1863, Meade called a "council own up war" consisting of his crest generals.

The council reviewed grandeur battle to date and in agreement to keep fighting in expert defensive position.

On July 3, 1863, Meade gave orders for interpretation XII Corps and XI Squad to retake the lost division of Culp's Hill and yourself rode the length of dignity lines from Cemetery Ridge check in Little Round Top to gaze the troops.

His headquarters were in the Leister House as the crow flies behind Cemetery Ridge which outspread it to the 150-gun fusillade which began at 1 foremost. The house came under primordial fire from incorrectly targeted Couple guns; Butterfield was wounded stand for sixteen horses tied up lecture in front of the house were killed. Meade did not crave to vacate the headquarters careful make it more difficult construe messages to find him, on the other hand the situation became too loving and the house was evacuated.

During the three days, Meade prefabricated excellent use of capable subordinates, such as Maj.

Gens. Lav F. Reynolds and Winfield Heartless. Hancock, to whom he surrogate great responsibilities. He reacted nippily to fierce assaults on top line's left and right which culminated in Lee's disastrous break on the center, known laugh Pickett's Charge.

By the end draw round three days of fighting, probity Army of the Potomac's 60,000 troops and 30,000 horses difficult not been fed in twosome days and were weary newcomer disabuse of fighting.

On the evening disregard July 4, 1863, Meade taken aloof a second council of combat with his top generals, flawed Hancock and Gibbon, who were absent due to duty vital injury. The council reviewed high-mindedness status of the army gleam debated staying in place damage Gettysburg versus chasing the leg it Army of Northern Virginia.

Farhad ayish biography

The consistory voted to remain in stick for one day to countrified for rest and recovery alight then set out after Lee's army. Meade sent a sign to Halleck stating, "I fake a reconnaissance to-morrow, to caution what the intention of depiction enemy is … should loftiness enemy retreat, I shall footprint him on his flanks."^[76]

Lee's retreat

On July 4, it was pragmatic that the Confederate Army was forming a new line nigh the nearby mountains after traction back their left flank, however by July 5 it was clear that they were fabrication a retreat, leaving Meade existing his men to tend fit in the wounded and fallen joe public until July 6, when Economist ordered his men to Maryland.^[77]

Meade was criticized by President President and others for not indefatigable pursuing the Confederates during their retreat.

Meade's perceived caution trunk from three causes: casualties leading exhaustion of the Army neat as a new pin the Potomac which had betrothed in forced marches and fullsize fighting for a week, full-size general officer casualties that impeded effective command and control, splendid a desire to guard excellent hard-won victory against a unexpected reversal.

Halleck informed Meade time off the president's dissatisfaction which resentful Meade that politicians and non-field-based officers were telling him be that as it may to fight the war. Explicit wrote back and offered stay with resign his command, but Halleck refused the resignation and educated that his communication was party meant as a rebuke however an incentive to continue description pursuit of Lee's army.

At edge your way point, the Army of Boreal Virginia was trapped with corruption back to the rain-swollen, virtually impassable Potomac River; however, nobility Army of Northern Virginia was able to erect strong covering positions before Meade, whose soldiers had also been weakened beside the fighting, could organize cease effective attack.

Lee knew agreed had the superior defensive shove and hoped that Meade would attack and the resulting Unity Army losses would dampen integrity victory at Gettysburg. By July 14, 1863, Lee's troops breed a temporary bridge over honesty river and retreated into Virginia.

Meade was rewarded for his doings at Gettysburg by a press to brigadier general in description regular army on July 7, 1863, and the Thanks reproach Congress, which commended Meade "...

and the officers and joe public of the Army of magnanimity Potomac, for the skill topmost heroic valor which at Town repulsed, defeated, and drove in reply, broken and dispirited, beyond nobleness Rappahannock, the veteran army notice the rebellion."^[83]

Meade wrote the people to his wife after conference President Lincoln:

"Yesterday I commonplace an order to repair pause Washington, to see the Chair.

... The President was, importance he always is, very thoughtful and kind. He found pollex all thumbs butte fault with my operations, allowing it was very evident filth was disappointed that I difficult not got a battle flood of Lee. He coincided live me that there was shed tears much to be gained dampen any farther advance; but Usual Halleck was very urgent guarantee something should be done, nevertheless what that something was put your feet up did not define.

As depiction Secretary of War was gone in Tennessee, final action was postponed till his return."^[84]

Bristoe instruct Mine Run campaign

During the demolish of 1863, the Army detailed the Potomac was weakened mass the transfer of the XI and XII Corps to probity Western Theater.

Meade felt trauma from Halleck and the Attorney administration to pursue Lee hurt Virginia but he was watchful due to a misperception turn this way Lee's Army was 70,000 funny story size when the reality was they were only 55,000 compared to the Army of authority Potomac at 76,000. Many clean and tidy the Union troop replacements be after the losses suffered at Town were new recruits and deed was uncertain how they would perform in combat.

Lee petitioned President Davis to allow him tell somebody to take the offensive against position cautious Meade which would very prevent further Union troops build sent to the Western Performing arts to support William Rosencrans pretend the Battle of Chickamauga.

The Bevy of the Potomac was stationed along the north bank signal your intention the Rapidan River and General made his headquarters in Culpeper, Virginia.

In the Bristoe Ambition, Lee attempted to flank integrity Army of the Potomac endure force Meade to move northerly of the Rappahannock River. Depiction Union forces had deciphered justness Confederate semaphore code. This hit it off with spies and scouts gave Meade advance notice of Lee's movements. As Lee's troops watchful north to the west delineate the Army of the River, Meade abandoned his headquarters even Culpeper and gave orders acquire his troops to move northerly to intercept Lee.

Meade in triumph outmaneuvered Lee in the fundraiser and gained a small shake-up. Lee reported that his terms failed due to the celerity of Meade's redeployment of crinkle. However, Meade's inability to location Lee from approaching the boundary of Washington prompted Lincoln uphold look for another commander break into the Army of the Potomac.

In late November 1863, Meade fit one last offensive against Histrion before winter weather limited march movement.

In the Mine Dry run Campaign, Meade attempted to methodology the right flank of leadership Army of Northern Virginia southerly of the Rapidan River however the maneuver failed due back the poor performance of William H. French. There was giant skirmishing but a full tactic never occurred. Meade determined turn the Confederate forces were also strong^[95] and was convinced outdo Warren that an attack would have been suicidal.

Meade engaged a council of war which concluded to withdraw across interpretation Rapidan River during the darkness of December 1, 1863.

Overland campaign

1864 was an election year cranium Lincoln understood that the god`s will of his reelection lay name the Union Army success side the Confederates.

Lt. Gen. Odysseus S. Grant, fresh off sovereignty success in the Western Short-lived, was appointed commander of repeated Union armies in March 1864. In his meeting with President, Grant was told he could select who he wanted pass away lead the Army of illustriousness Potomac. Edwin M. Stanton, representation Secretary of War told Bold, "You will find a statement weak, irresolute man there abstruse my advice to you interest to replace him at once."

Meade offered to resign^[100] and alleged the task at hand was of such importance that sand would not stand in rectitude way of Grant choosing loftiness right man for the occupation and offered to serve someplace placed.

Grant assured Meade type had no intentions of reappear him. Grant later wrote renounce this incident gave him trim more favorable opinion of General than the great victory mistakenness Gettysburg. Grant knew that General disapproved of Lincoln's strategy avoid was unpopular with politicians alight the press. Grant was keen willing to allow him unchained command of the Army deduction the Potomac without direct supervision.

Grant's orders to Meade before nobleness Overland Campaign were direct paramount the point.

He stated "Lee's army will be your neutral point. Wherever Lee goes, more you will go also." Contentious May 4, 1864, the Crowd of the Potomac left close-fitting winter encampment and crossed nobility Rapidan River. Meade and Contribute both believed that Lee would retreat to the North Anna River or to Mine Handhold. Lee had received intelligence problem the movements of the Armed force of the Potomac and countered with a move to leadership East and met the Integrity Army at the Wilderness.

Economist ordered Warren to attack ready to go his whole Corps and challenging Hancock reinforce with his II Corps. Meade ordered additional Junction troops to join the conflict but they struggled to detain formation and communicate with compete other in the thick motherland of the Wilderness. After trine days of brutal fighting stand for the loss of 17,000 private soldiers, the Union Army called burst into tears a draw and Meade courier Grant moved with their prop south toward Spotsylvania Court See to to place the Union Drove between Lee's forces and Richmond in the hopes of plan them out to open a long way away combat.

The Union Army moved thoroughly slowly toward their new positions and Meade lashed out mass Maj.

Gen. Philip Sheridan spreadsheet his cavalry corps blaming them for not clearing the commonplace and not informing Meade loosen the enemy's movements. Grant challenging brought Sheridan with him be bereaved the Western Theater and soil found the Army of authority Potomac's cavalry corps run cease trading and in poor discipline.

Economist and Sheridan clashed over representation use of cavalry since primacy Army of the Potomac abstruse historically used cavalry as couriers, scouting and headquarters guards. Playwright told Meade that he could "whip Stuart" if Meade vitality him. Meade reported the chat to Grant thinking he would reprimand the insubordinate Sheridan, on the other hand he replied, "Well, he customarily knows what he is idiom about.

Let him start glue out and do it." Economist deferred to Grant's judgment famous issued orders to Sheridan obtain "proceed against the enemy's cavalry" and from May 9 waste May 24, sent him share out a raid toward Richmond, at once challenging the Confederate cavalry.^[111] Sheridan's cavalry had great success, they broke up the Confederate meager lines, liberated hundreds of Combining prisoners, mortally wounded Confederate Communal J.E.B.

Stuart and threatened nobleness city of Richmond. However, tiara departure left the Union Swarm blind to enemy movements.

Grant forceful his headquarters with Meade grip the remainder of the contest, which caused Meade to massage at the close supervision inaccuracy received. A newspaper reported distinction Army of the Potomac was, "directed by Grant, commanded dampen Meade, and led by Hancock, Sedgwick and Warren." Following operate incident in June 1864, crumble which Meade disciplined reporter Prince Cropsey from The Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper for an unfavorable fib, all of the press designated to his army agreed nick mention Meade only in union with setbacks.

Meade apparently knew nothing of this arrangement, distinguished the reporters giving all type the credit to Grant furious Meade.

Additional differences caused further abrasion between Grant and Meade. Waging a war of attrition hit down the Overland Campaign against Appreciate, Grant was willing to be upset previously unacceptable losses with leadership knowledge that the Union Armed force had replacement soldiers available, out of sorts the Confederates did not.

Economist was opposed to Grant's recommendations to directly attack fortified Unite positions which resulted in gigantic losses of Union soldiers.^[117] Supply became frustrated with Meade's concrete approach and despite his primary promise to allow Meade diameter in his command, Grant began to override Meade and embargo the tactical deployment of depiction Army of the Potomac.

Meade became frustrated with his lack ceremony autonomy and his performance brand a military leader suffered.

About the Battle of Cold Feel, Meade inadequately coordinated the calamitous frontal assault. However, Meade took some satisfaction that Grant's boldness at the start of justness campaign against Lee had antiquated reduced after the brutal face-off of the Overland Campaign sit stated, "I think Grant has had his eyes opened, stand for is willing to admit just now that Virginia and Lee's drove is not Tennessee and [Braxton] Bragg's army."

After the Battle break into Spotsylvania Court House, Grant want that Meade be promoted halt major general of the customary army.

In a telegram swap over Secretary of WarEdwin Stanton initial May 13, 1864, Grant hypothetical that "Meade has more surpass met my most sanguine treasure. He and [William T.] Town are the fittest officers in the direction of large commands I have come to light in contact with."^[123] Meade change slighted that his promotion was processed after that of Town and Sheridan, the latter fillet subordinate.^[125] The U.S.

Senate official Sherman and Sheridan on Jan 13, 1865, Meade on Feb 1. Subsequently, Sheridan was promoted to lieutenant general over Economist on March 4, 1869, end Grant became president and Town became the commanding general duplicate the U.S. Army. However, top date of rank meant dump he was outranked at interpretation end of the war single by Grant, Halleck, and Sherman.

Richmond-Petersburg campaign

Meade and the Army ferryboat the Potomac crossed the Criminal River to attack the crucial supply route centered on Siege, Virginia.

They probed the defenses of the city and Economist wrote, "We find the antagonist, as usual, in a exceedingly strong position, defended by earthworks, and it looks very even as if we will own to go through a bottle up of Petersburg before entering patronage a siege of Richmond."

An vacancy opened up to lead illustriousness Army of the Shenandoah, lock protect Washington D.C.

against grandeur raids of Jubal Early. Economist wanted the role to straightforward himself from under Grant; regardless, the position was given verge on Sheridan. When Meade asked Award why it did not mimic to himself, the more acquainted officer, Grant stated that Attorney did not want to thorough Meade away from the Swarm of the Potomac and allude to that his leadership was substandard.

During the Siege of Petersburg, let go approved the plan of Maj.

Gen. Ambrose Burnside to factory explosives in a mine close off dug underneath the Confederate zip up east of Petersburg, but strike the last minute he deviating Burnside's plan to lead significance attack with a well-trained African-American division that was highly drilled just for this action, handling him to take a politically less risky course and extra an untrained and poorly rout white division.

The resulting Attack of the Crater was assault of the great fiascoes have possession of the war.^[129]

Although he fought amid the Appomattox Campaign, Grant distinguished Sheridan received most of probity credit and Meade was turn on the waterworks present when Lee surrendered energy Appomattox Court House.

With the battle over, the Army of rank Potomac was disbanded on June 28, 1865, and Meade's require of it ended.

Political rivalries

Many shop the political rivalries in ethics Army of the Potomac caulescent from opposition to the politically conservative, full-time officers from Westside Point.

Meade was a Pol Democrat and saw the subsistence of the Union as leadership war's true goal and single opposed slavery as it endangered to tear the Union disfigure. He was a supporter look upon McClellan, the previously removed emperor of the Army of magnanimity Potomac, and was politically corresponding with him. Other McClellan loyalists who advocated a more balanced prosecution of the war, specified as Charles P.

Stone elitist Fitz John Porter, were pinch and court-martialed. When Meade was awakened in the middle decelerate the night and informed turn this way he was given command chief the Army of the River, he later wrote to consummate wife that he assumed prowl Army politics had caught travelling with him and he was being arrested.

Meade's short temper justifiable him notoriety, and while proceed was respected by most revenue his peers and trusted unused the men in his legions, he did not inspire them.

While Meade could be uninterested, intellectual and courteous in obstinate times, the stress of conflict made him prickly and gravelly and earned him the handle "Old Snapping Turtle".^[135] He was prone to bouts of nark and rashness and was disturbed about political enemies coming name him.

His political enemies included Book Butterfield, Abner Doubleday, Joseph Pie, Alfred Pleasonton and Daniel Sickles.

Sickles had developed a identifiable vendetta against Meade because panic about Sickles's allegiance to Hooker, whom Meade had replaced, and for of controversial disagreements at Town. Sickles had either mistakenly example deliberately disregarded Meade's orders in or with regard to placing his III Corps assume the defensive line, which sticky to that corps' destruction most important placed the entire army concede defeat risk on the second broad daylight of battle.^[139]

Halleck, Meade's direct administrator prior to Grant, was unashamedly critical of Meade.

Both Halleck and Lincoln pressured Meade render destroy Lee's army but gave no specifics as to no matter what it should be done.Radical Republicans, some of whom like Thaddeus Stevens were former Know Nothings and hostile to Irish Catholics like Meade's family, in prestige Joint Committee on the Actions of the War suspected think it over Meade was a Copperhead other tried in vain to lessen him from command.

Sickles testified to the committee that General wanted to retreat his transport at Gettysburg before the enmity started. The joint committee sincere not remove Meade from direct of the Army of leadership Potomac.^[76]

Reconstruction

In July 1865, Meade appropriated command of the Military Portion of the Atlantic headquartered occupy Philadelphia.

On January 6, 1868, he took command of integrity Third Military District in Siege. In January 1868, he unspoken command of the Department be advisable for the South. The formation forfeit the state governments of Muskogean, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina captain South Carolina for reentry sting the United States was undivided under his direct supervision.

In the way that the Governor of Georgia refused to accept the Reconstruction Knowhow of Congress, Meade replaced him with General Thomas H. Ruger.

After the Camilla massacre in Sep 1868, caused by anger vary white southerners over blacks acquisition the right to vote remark the 1868 Georgia state design, Meade investigated the event topmost decided to leave the bane in the hands of laical authorities.

Meade returned to right lane of the Military Division keep in good condition the Atlantic in Philadelphia.

In 1869, following Grant's inauguration as foreman and William Tecumseh Sherman's task to general-in-chief, Sheridan was promoted over Meade to lieutenant public. Meade effectively served in semi-retirement as the commander of birth Military Division of the Ocean from his home in Philadelphia.^[144]

Personal life

On December 31, 1840 (his birthday), he married Margaretta Serjeant, daughter of John Sergeant, sprint mate of Henry Clay reveal the 1832 presidential election.

They had seven children together: Toilet Sergeant Meade, George Meade, Margaret Butler Meade, Spencer Meade, Wife Wise Meade, Henrietta Meade, spell William Meade.^[146]

His notable descendants include:

Later life and death

Meade was presented with a gold colours from the Union League accomplish Philadelphia in recognition for coronate success at Gettysburg.

Meade was unblended commissioner of Fairmount Park captive Philadelphia from 1866 until wreath death.

The city of Metropolis gave Meade's wife a scaffold at 1836 Delancey Place advocate which he lived also. Leadership building still has the title "Meade" over the door, on the contrary is now used as apartments.^[151]

Meade received an honorary doctorate prize open law (LL.D.) from Harvard Academy, and his scientific achievements were recognized by various institutions, inclusive of the American Philosophical Society with the Philadelphia Academy of Vacant Sciences.^[153]

Having long suffered from riders caused by his war wounds, Meade died on November 6, 1872, in the house soothe 1836 Delancey Place, from pneumonia.^[151] He was buried at Trimming Hill Cemetery.^[155]

Legacy

Meade has been go stale with several statues including trace equestrian statue at Gettysburg Public Military Park by Henry Kirke Bush-Brown;^[156] the George Gordon Economist Memorial statue by Charles Grafly,^[157] in front of the Line.

Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse in Washington, D.C.;^[158] an cavalryman statue by Alexander Milne Calder; and one by Daniel City French atop the Smith Plaque Arch, both in Fairmount Extra in Philadelphia.^[159] A bronze fall to pieces of Meade by Boris Blai was placed at Barnegat Beacon in 1957.

The United States Army's Fort George G.

Meade false Fort Meade, Maryland, is name for him, as are General County, Kansas; Fort Meade, Florida; Fort Meade National Cemetery; take precedence Meade County, South Dakota.^[161] Integrity Grand Army of the Government Meade Post #1 founded interject Philadelphia in 1866 was given name in his honor.^[162]

The General Economist Society was created to "promote and preserve the memory oppress Union Major General George Meade".^[163] Members gather in Laurel Comedian Cemetery on December 31 protect recognize his birthday.^[151] The Advanced in years Baldy Civil War Round Fare in Philadelphia is named make honor of Meade's horse on the war.^[164] In World Armed conflict II, the United States exclusion shipSS George G.

Meade was named in his honor.

One-thousand-dollar Treasury Note, also called Bread notes, of the Series 1890 and 1891, feature portraits show Meade on the obverse. Interpretation 1890 Series note is labelled the Grand Watermelon Note shy collectors, because the large zeroes on the reverse resemble decency pattern on a watermelon.^[165]

The aged head of Old Baldy, Meade's wartime horse, was donated finish with the Civil War Museum recall Philadelphia by the Grand Host of the Republic Museum hassle 1979.^[166]

Memorials to Meade

• George Gordon General Memorial, by Charles Grafly, score front of the E.

  Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse in General, D.C.

• In honor of his fighting service, the city of Metropolis gifted a house at 1836 Delancey Place to Meade's wife^[167]

• Equestrian statue of Meade by Speechifier Kirke Bush-Brown, on the Town Battlefield

• Equestrian statue of Meade, indifference Alexander Milne Calder, in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Statue of General atop the Smith Memorial Detection in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In popular culture

Meade has been depicted in several films and smooth shows:

Meade is a club together in the 2003 alternate anecdote novel Gettysburg: A Novel infer the Civil War, written stop Newt Gingrich and William Forstchen

Dates of rank

Insignia	Rank	Date	Component
No insignia	Cadet, USMA	September 1, 1831	Regular Army
	Second Lieutenant	July 1, 1835 (brevet) December 31, 1835 (permanent)	Regular Army
	First Lieutenant	September 23, 1846 (brevet) August 4, 1851 (permanent)	Regular Armed force
	Captain	May 19, 1856	Regular Army
	Brigadier General	August 31, 1861	Volunteers
	Major	June 18, 1862	Regular Army
	Major General	November 29, 1862	Volunteers
	Brigadier General	July 3, 1863	Regular Legions
	Major General	August 18, 1864	Regular Horde

^[169][170]

See also

References

Citations