July 14, 1863 (Wednesday): Meade Too Slow For Cameron's Taste

Simon Cameron

Harrisburg, PA, July 14, 1863.
          (Received 10 p. m.)
Hon. Abraham Lincoln,
       President of the United States:
   I left the Army of the Potomac yesterday, believing that the decision of General Meade's council of war on Saturday night, not to attack the rebels, would allow them to escape.  His army is in fine spirits and eager for battle.  They will win, if they get a chance.
    General Couch has a fine army between Carlisle and Greencastle, but will move no further south without orders, under the strong belief that his duty is to guard the Susquehanna.  In my opinion, the Susquehanna needs no guard.  I have urged him from the beginning to join Meade.  I hope in God that you will put forth your authority and order every man in arms between the Susquehanna and Potomac to unite with Meade, so that he may have no reason for delay in giving battle before the falling of the flood allow Lee to escape.

      SIMON CAMERON

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 27, Part 3, Page 700.

Cameron was the consummate political operative.  He had served Lincoln as Secretary of War before Stanton, but was then consigned to ambassador to Russia.  But he still had powerful political connections in Pennsylvania.  Here he stokes the fires against Meade by decrying his slow movement against Lee and decision not to attack his entrenched position at Williamsport.