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Part 3.
narrative from the end of the Mexican War letters yo the civil War letters, 1847-1861
The part taken by
Lieutenant Meade in the
Mexican War is incidentally well indicated by the preceding letters.
That his services were appreciated by his immediate superiors is amply proved by frequent mention of him in their official reports.
As to the general impression which his character and ability produced, a man of sound judgment wrote from
Washington: ‘I have had great pleasure in learning here accounts of
Mr. Meade, the same as you mention; that is to say, that he is in high estimation in the army, and known to everybody.
Lieutenant Luther spoke of him to
Mrs. Wise, she tells me, as a most efficient officer, much consulted, employed and relied upon.
Major—— appeared to me very shy of giving him credit on fit occasions.
For instance, I heard him speak of
General Worth's operations at
Monterey.
He said
General Worth had a plan or map before him, of positions, routes, etc., but did not say a word of
Mr. Meade, who probably furnished the map, and at all events, the materials for it. This morning, however, he showed incidentally in a general talk we had about military matters and the
Topographical Corps, that he knew well
Mr. Meade's merits and his distinguished position.
He quoted what
General Worth had said about
Mr. Meade's value, and his courage and bravery, and also said (whether from
General Worth or himself or both, I do not know) he was such a gentleman.
He told me, too (but this must be kept to yourselves), that he had seen a letter of
General Worth to the government, speaking in very high terms of
Mr. Meade, but did not find the passage in the public despatch.
He has promised to show me all the plans, maps, etc. I have been more or less addicted for some years past to a sort of military reading, I did not know why; but now find it of some use, if cautious not to make any pretensions to military knowledge.
There is one fact with regard to
Mr. Meade, not now ’
