Lincoln was furious at Meade for letting Lee escape back across the Potomac. Lee could not cross until July 13-14 because torrential rains had swept away his pontoon bridge which Lee had to rebuild. Meade had the opportunity to attack Lee with his back against the Potomac but declined to do so, probably because Lee had fortified his position.
Lincoln drafted a letter to Meade which he did not send:
Executive Mansion,
Washington, July 14, 1863
Major General Meade
You fought and beat the enemy at Gettysburg; and, of course, to say the least, his loss was as great as yours– He retreated; and you did not; as it seemed to me, pressingly pursue him; but a flood in the river detained him, till, by slow degrees, you were again upon him. You had at least twenty thousand veteran troops directly with you, and as many more raw ones within supporting distance, all in addition to those who fought with you at Gettysburg; while it was not possible that he had received a single recruit; and yet you stood and let the flood run down, bridges be built, and the enemy move away at his leisure, without attacking him.
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, and to have closed upon him would, in connection with the our other late successes, have ended the war– As it is, the war will be prolonged indefinitely. If you could not safely attack Lee last Monday, how can you possibly do so South of the river, when you can take with you very few more then (than) two thirds of the force you then had in hand? It would be unreasonable to expect, and I do not expect you can now effect (affect) much. Your golden opportunity is gone, and I am distressed immeasurably because of it.
I beg you will not consider this a prosecution, or persecution of yourself– As you had learned that I was dissatisfied, I have thought it best to kindly tell you why.
[Endorsed on Envelope by Lincoln:To Gen. Meade, never sent, or signed.]
