Things Better Left Unsaid

“Whenever you are fed up with life, start writing: ink is the great cure for all human ills, as I have found out long ago.” -C.S. Lewis

Gettysburg is one of the most famous battles in American history. The Confederate army tried pushing into the free state of Pennsylvania but were decisively driven back across the Potomac by General Meade and the Union soldiers. It was the turning point in the war, but a missed opportunity for the Union.

At least, President Abraham Lincoln felt this way.

Lincoln was disappointed that General Meade hadn’t seized the opportunity to pursue the fleeing southern forces and crush them. It wasn’t just a tactical error in Lincoln’s mind, Meade’s negligence had indefinitely prolonged the war when total victory was in sight. Now the president had developed somewhat of a coping mechanism that echoes the wisdom of C.S. Lewis called “hot letters”. Lincoln would write out his frustrations and then store it away, never to be sent or signed.

After learning of Meade’s inaction, Lincoln penned his vexation and then stored the letter away. Meade had after all, defeated the invading confederates and delivered a turning point in the war. His sin of not finishing the job was something Lincoln needed to forgive as Meade’s leadership would be even more critical in winning the war.

You can read Lincoln’s unsent letter to Meade here.