This just in: One of our correspondents has just returned from a meeting of the Union command which may effect the outcome of the current struggle in which our great nation finds itself embroiled. I submit the following for your consideration and edification.
J. Barnes
Editor-in-Chief
Greetings one and all!
Here is my report as filed with my editor regarding our evening together at Old Bedford Village, Pennsylvania on the night of December 6, 1863. General Buford, I trust your health is improving and you can soon return to your men.
Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth to all.
Abigail Reynolds
War Correspondent
New York World
Bedford Pennsylvania
December 6, 1863
The night of December 6, 1863 saw a gathering of some of the most notable of the Federal Generals as well as the distinguished presence of President Lincoln and one of his Pinkerton men. Several of our fighting men were making their way east to Washington City for the holiday season to be with family, friends, fellow soldiers and politicians. Many stopped this night in the sleepy village of Bedford, Pennsylvania, far from the fighting and out of the travels of General Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. This safe harbor provided many officers and the President as well as their traveling companions a respite from the cold winds of winter that were blowing through these Pennsylvania Mountains.
The President scheduled this evening to meet with many of his Corp Generals to discuss the past year with victories specifically at Gettysburg and Vicksburg. The President also met this evening with General US “Sam†Grant to discuss the coming year and significant events that are in the planning stages.
I had the privilege of spending some time with the President and General Grant both formally and informally. At this time I am unable to report details of our conversation due to the sensitivity of our discussions. Rumor does report however that significant changes in the strategy and command of the war may be forth coming within the next few weeks. Mr. Lincoln advised that he will return to Washington City in the next several days to meet with his cabinet and the Secretary of War, Edwin Scranton, to share his thoughts concerning his meeting with General Grant.
In addition, I had the good fortune of finding hospitality and lodging with Major General John Rawlins, General Grant’s Chief of Staff, and his family. Also in our small company of travelers were C.C. Rowe, War Correspondent for Alexander Gardner Photography, Major General John Buford, Colonel John Hartranft, and Major Thomas Britton, Surgeon General to General U.S. Grant. Generals William Averell and George Crook from West Virginia also arrived. General George Custer arrived late in the evening with urgent word from Washington City for President Lincoln.
Throughout the evening we were treated as if we were royalty, seated around a large table in the dinning area comfortably near a warming fire.Many delights from sugar cookies to fine candies were available to all. I was able to engage Hannah, General Rawlins oldest daughter in several games of chess. Although she did not win any of them, she played a very fine and skillful game. At the young age of 13, she is indeed becoming one of the lovely, fine ladies of the Union. Her younger sister, Rachael, is a vivacious charmer in her own right.
Around a glass of wine and a fine cigar, glasses were raised in toast to President Lincoln and General U. S. “Sam†Grant. The Union was toasted and by the end of the evening, the Generals were graciously toasting even their friends and comrades in the Southern Army.
Several visitors from this tiny hamlet came and went throughout the evening, questioning the President and Generals on many issues of the war.Many a good story was shared of the glory upon the field of battle, as well as sorrow for the losses suffered so far in this endeavor to reunite the Nation. The most tragic story was of the great loss of life this past summer at Gettysburg Pennsylvania. Many shared their pleasure at President Lincoln’s remarks at the dedication of the National Cemetery of Gettysburg this past November.
By late evening, all were exhausted and ready for sleep and the dreams of a better tomorrow. At dawn, the Generals and their traveling companions will continue on their journey towards Washington City. They will proceed to Cumberland, Maryland, to take the train to Baltimore, and then on to Washington. Mr. Lincoln will travel first to Philadelphia, then Baltimore and finally onto Washington City by the 15th of December.
Abigail Elizabeth Reynolds
War Correspondent
New York World
New York, New York
*Special thanks to Abigail for her fine coverage of this event.
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