GDG- Your learned opinon, please!

[Mike and Clare]

Hi Tom,
Thank you for you answer.  The author is T. Harry Williams and the book is 
"Lincoln and His Generals".
Clare
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tom Ryan" <pennmardel at mchsi.com>
To: "GDG" <gettysburg at arthes.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2006 3:38 PM
Subject: RE: GDG- Your learned opinon, please!


> Esteemed GDG Member Contributes:
>
>
> Clare,
>
> While I believe the wording of this author is a bit overstated, I do agree
> with his general premise that Meade was cautious when it came to
> implementing offensive action and his preference was to fight a defensive
> battle.  There were instances when he spoke of going on the offensive, but
> not much energy was applied to putting those ideas into effect.
>
> Following the defeat of the Confederates at Gettysburg, Meade and his
> commanders seemed content to savor their victory and preferred that Lee
> would retreat back to Virginia.  Gen. Warren in essence said that was the
> mood of the commanders after Pickett's Charge.  Although Meade indicated 
> to
> Washington and in some of his letters that he intended to fight Lee again
> before he crossed the river, his mindset and actions showed otherwise.
> Evidence of this is seen in a letter to his wife after Lee had escaped
> across the river in which he complained rather strenuously that the
> authorities in Washington were pushing him to attack Lee when in reality 
> he
> believed they needed time to rest and refit before going into action 
> again.
>
> The other side of this coin is that Meade in fact did do something great 
> at
> Gettysburg, and should be acknowledged for his skill and tenacity in
> accomplishing it, especially since he had just been in the job as 
> commander
> for only a few days.  It depends on whose perspective we are discussing.
> President Lincoln was exceptionally happy about the victory at Gettysburg,
> but was also devastated when Meade allowed Lee to escape with no further
> damage.  Gen. Halleck, on the other hand, was not all that put out about 
> Lee
> getting away, and sent Meade a congratulatory message saying that he had 
> the
> gratitude of the government and the people.
>
> Historians provide a mixed view of Meade as a commander.  He gets credit
> for Gettysburg, but not much of anything is said about him after that.
> Meade had his day in the sun, and then was overshadowed by others later in
> the war.
>
> The author in question was not far off the mark.  Who is the author and
> what is the title of the book?
>
> Regards,
>
> Tom Ryan
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: gettysburg-bounces at arthes.com
> [mailto:gettysburg-bounces at arthes.com]On Behalf Of Mike and Clare
> Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2006 2:25 PM
> To: gettysburg at gdg.org
> Subject: GDG- Your learned opinon, please!
>
>
> Esteemed GDG Member Contributes:
>
>
> Hi Group,
> I am reading a book that states:
> "Meade fought Gettysburg with great tactical skill.  He placed his men
> well, and he used his reserves properly to bolster threatened places in 
> his
> line.  Nevertheless, he was content  to fight a completely defensive 
> battle.
> He showed no aggressive  spirit.  He launched no counterattacks after he
> repulsed the Confederate assaults.  Like McClellan at Antietam, he was
> satisfied to see the enemy withdraw intact from his front.  He felt that 
> he
> had done something great by holding his ground and forcing Lee out of
> Pennsylvania."
>
> Do you agree with this or not, and if not, why not.  Am interested in your
> learned opinions.
> Thank you ahead of time,
> Clare
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