“many nights not a wink of sleep”
A small town Democrat paper summarized reports about Gettysburg and its aftermath. There was a sense of relief that at least the Stars and Bars weren’t flying over Harrisburg and a bit of concern that the Confederate army was far from done.
From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in July, 1863:
A Fierce and Bloody Conflict.
The dark cloud that has so long overhung the nation is parting, and through the almost impenetrable mist, gleams of hope and sunshine are glancing. The Army of the Potomac under MEADE has saved us from defeat and disaster, if it has won a substantial and glorious victory. A terrible and bloody conflict commenced near Gettysburg, Pa., on Wednesday of last week, the rebels attacking our forces and repulsing them with great slaughter, until re-inforced by the veteran troops of Gen. MEADE. At nightfall the battle ceased, only to be renewed the following day with increased fury and violence, both sides being largely reinforced. the rebels were the attacking party on the second as well as the first day. The shock of arms on Thursday was most terrific, particularly during the latter part of the day. The roar of cannon, the rush of missiles and the bursting of bombs filled the air. Charge upon charge was made by the Confederate forces, and every attempt made, but in vain, to annihilate our brave and heroic army. The forces of the enemy were massed upon all points of our lines, but were repulsed as often as they endeavored to pierce the solid ranks of our veteran troops. After a slaughter inconceivable, the enemy were repulsed, and compelled to fall back at all points. The battle of Friday is said to be the fiercest and most sanguinary of the war. The enemy foiled in his many and oft-repeated attacks upon our army, was forced to retreat under cover of the night. Our reinforcements coming up on the third day probably saved the army from disaster, so desperate and determined were the enemy. The loss on both sides is very heavy. It is semi-officially stated that ours foot up seventeen thousand, killed, wounded and missing, while our reports put the rebel loss at twenty-three thousand. In all probability one side suffered quite as severely as the other. The result, however, ought to rejoice the heart of every American citizen. Had General MEADE’s army been defeated, Heaven only knows what would have been the consequences. The end, however is not yet. – The rebel forces , according to the latest reports, have entrenched themselves on the old battle-ground at Antietam, waiting for General MEADE’s army to renew the conflict. All reports concerning the demoralization of LEE’s troops and the probable capture of his entire army, should be taken with many grains of allowance. A few days may change the tide of success.
150 years ago today General Meade wrote his wife from Frederick, Maryland. He had gotten very little sleep since he was promoted ten days earlier:
Baldy in October 1863
