I've been enjoying, as you know, Ron Chernow's fine study of the life of U.S. Grant. But it does have its weaknesses, including painting with a brush that's too broad. One such gross overgeneralization is found on p. 295 in his discussion of Meade's actions on the night of July 2 during the battle of Gettysburg. He boldly states that Meade, having convened his generals in the Leister House late that evening, "wanted to withdraw before Pickett's Charge but was overruled by his generals." The fact is that by 8:00 pm Meade had already written to his superior Halleck down in Washington saying that he's going to stay in Gettysburg tomorrow though he can't determine whether his preparations will be offensive or defensive until he checks on the condition of the army. Others who were not present with Meade that evening later portrayed him as having been unwilling to remain on the field. Abner Doubleday has Meade pouting, "Have it your way, gentlemen, but Gettysburg is no place to fight a battle in." Doubleday, however, did not attend that meeting.
Alas, it seems that Meade continues to be the Rodney Dangerfield of Civil War generals.
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| The Leister House, where Meade held a council of war on the night of July 2, 1863, still stands. |