Did General Meade Miss the Chance to End the War by Not Pursuing General Lee After Gettysburg?
The Context and Command Structure
General George G. Meade's task upon being appointed to the command of the Army of the Potomac (AOP) was multifaceted. His primary directives were to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's northward movements, protect Washington D.C. and Baltimore, and potentially beat Lee in the field. (OR)Meade communicated on June 28th that he had kept the areas around D.C. covered and relieved the pressure on Harrisburg. The intention was clear: Meade had already "beaten" Lee by fulfilling the War Department's most pressing goals. (OR)
Prewar Challenges and Preparations
Interestingly, it is often overlooked that Meade had only been given command of the AOP a few days prior to the 1st of July. His new headquarters were in disarray. The Chief of Staff, General Butterfield, was more than just unfriendly; he disliked Meade as much as Meade disliked him. (OR)
Despite these challenges, Meade managed to relieve pressure on the Susquehanna and Harrisburg, halt Lee's forward movement, and screen and set up a superior line of defense at Pipe Creek. He successfully incorporated parts of the Harpers' Ferry garrison and interposed his force effectively, enabling the concentration of his corps and securing his line. (OR)
The Battle of Gettysburg and Its Outcome
Gettysburg, a three-day conflict, saw the Union's three infantry corps nearly broken. The newly arrived and battle-weary VI Corps had marched 35 miles in 24 hours and was largely divided to fill gaps along the battleline. (OR)
The AOP, though battered, demonstrated remarkable resilience. Meade's ability to lead under such circumstances is a testament to his command skills. There is no doubt that Lee did not lose at Gettysburg; Meade decisively beat him. (OR)
Post-Battle Debates and Misconceptions
Post-Gettysburg, the political appointees in Washington D.C. expected Meade to capture Lee and end the war. However, these expectations were unrealistic and uninformed. The Union forces were exhausted, and the terrain and logistics did not favor an immediate pursuit. (OR)
Meade's decision to not pursue Lee further is often debated. A common misconception is that Meade could have captured Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia (ANOV) by leveraging the swollen Potomac River. However, such a scenario was nearly impossible given the river's width, Union feints, and Confederate reinforcements. (OR)
Recognition and Legacy
Meade received less recognition than his peers, a fact that troubled him. He famously described himself as a 'neutral point of view' and insisted that he deserved better treatment. (OR)
Challenges with individuals like Dan Sickles, who attacked Meade behind a pseudonym, further complicated his life. Meade was patient with those who sought answers out of genuine curiosity, but was not tolerant of those who peddled misconceptions. (OR)
Conclusion
The debate over General Meade's decisions after Gettysburg is ongoing, yet it is clear that his ability to lead and fight against overwhelming odds is a matter of historical importance. His strategic decisions, particularly in the aftermath of the battle, should not be judged harshly without understanding the complexities of the situation. (OR)