GDG- Re: why not blame a well led Union Army

[James Cameron]

<< <<Along the lines of the press vs. Gen. Meade, and perhaps the rest of 
the
army, there is a story that Gen. Meade read a story in a newspaper that gave
away the Army of the Potomac's plans for advance in great detail.  Gen.
Meade became so incensed (imagine that, George Meade losing his temper) that
he had the reporter tarred and feathered and ridden out of camp riding
backwards on a mule.  True or just a good, illustrative story?>>

Charlie,

According to Louis Starr in the book "Bohemian Brigade" the story is true.
The reporter in question was Edward Crapsey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Crapsey wrote a story that indicated Meade wanted to retreat after the
Battle of the Wilderness.  Meade did not take kindly to this, so he had the
reporter drummed out of camp:

"He was placed on horseback, and an officer bearing a flag, a trumpeter,
and six or eight orderlies rode with him through all the different corps; an
occasional blast was given to attract attention, and lo! all eyes were
turned to witness the spectacle.  The correspondent was labelled, 'Libeler
of the Press.'  A sorry day for him."  >>

The tarred & feathered part isn't true.

Jim Cameron