This able and experienced officer, who has been promoted to the chief command of the Army of the Potomac, was born in Spain in 1863, entered the military academy at West Point from the District of Columbia, and was graduated there in 1839 and appointed 2d Lieutenant in the 3d Artillery, resigned his commission Oct. 26, 1836, was appointed 2d Lieutenant in the Topographical Engineers May 19, 1842, was breveted 1st Lieutenant for gallantry at Monterey in 1846, became 1st Lieutenant in August, 1851, Captain May 19, 1856, Major in June, 1862, and Brigadier-General of volunteers August 31, 1861.
[Editor’s Note: Meade was born in 1815 and graduated West Point in 1835.]
Few officers have performed more arduous duties or rendered more distinguished and faithful service to the country since the
commencement of the war. In the seven days’ fight before Richmond, Gen Meade was struck by a ball, which entered his side and passed through his body, making a severe and painful wound. Under tender and skillful treatment he rapidly recovered, and it was scarcely known that he had left his couch when he was in his saddle, ready to take part in the sanguinary battle of South Mountain and Antietam.
In there engagements he commanded the Pennsylvania Reserves, a corps whose reputation for courage and discipline has been surpassed by none.
He was with that corps in the battles at Drainsville, or the Chickahominy and in Maryland. When Gen Hooker was wounded at Antietam, Gen McClellan placed Gen Meade in command of the corps which had just been deprived of its heroic leader. During the action Gen Meade received a slight contusion from a spent grape shot, and had two horses killed under him. He distinguished himself greatly during the battle, being in the thickest of the fight encouraging his men by his deeds of daring and valor. At Fredericksburg he maintained his reputation for coolness, courage and skill, winning the unstinted applause of the army and the hearty congratulations of a grateful and appreciative people.
The New York Times states that after the late battle of Chancellorsville Gen Meade’s appointment to supersede Gen Hooker was urged by every corps commander, with, perhaps, one exception. The officer next in rank to Gen Hooker (Gen Couch) was himself desirous that Gen Meade should be his chief.
The Caledonian, St. Johnsbury, VT
