Of this general little had been
known. Still, the nation felt relieved at the change. Now, General
Meade was a polished gentleman, a brave and good soldier, who had
fought on the Peninsula under McClellan and commanded the
Pennsylvania Reserves. To place a new general in command of an army
at a time when that army is in face of the enemy and expects every
minute to engage him in battle, is one of the most dangerous
experiments a government can indulge in. It is also one well
calculated to test to their utmost the qualities of the general
placed so suddenly in command.
It was the 1st of July, 1863, General Meade took command of the Army
of the Potomac, and posted it in order of battle on the hills and
plains around Gettysburg. There the two armies stood, the Union and
the Rebel, than whom there was none braver, awaiting for the signal
for the clash of arms. Then a great battle began and lasted three
days. And there was desperate fighting and great valor displayed on
both sides, and the field was strewn with the dead and wounded. And
the battle of Gettysburg was a great battle, and the Union army of
patriots gained a great and glorious victory over the rebels.
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