. . . victor of Gettysburg, one of the most important battles in American history. He was criticized, probably unfairly, for letting Lee’s army get away after the battle, and his star was further dimmed when U. S. Grant was brought east soon after the battle and placed in charge of all Union forces, making Meade a glorified lieutenant.

Meade was a cautious, methodical general, but that methodical caution at Gettysburg probably saved the Union, even if Meade himself never inspired the adulation of his countrymen.  Grudging respect was his fate.

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