With Malice Toward None

The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition    

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Following the Battle of Gettysburg, President Lincoln penned this sharp criticism of General Meade’s failure to pursue Lee immediately. Possibly written in an effort to gain control of Lincoln’s own emotions, the letter was never sent. It is likely that Lincoln knew that the end result would be Meade’s resignation, and he had run out of generals qualified, and available, to command the Army of the Potomac.

(Transcription)

Again, my dear general, I do not believe you appreciate the magnitude of the misfortune involved in Lee’s escape—He was within your easy grasp ...


Following the Battle of Gettysburg, President Lincoln penned this sharp criticism of General Meade’s failure to pursue Lee immediately. Possibly written in an effort to gain control of Lincoln’s own emotions, the letter was never sent. It is likely that Lincoln knew that the end result would be Meade’s resignation, and he had run out of generals qualified, and available, to command the Army of the Potomac.