Epilogue

Meade became the subject of criticism because of the perception in Washington, from the political leaders, that he had “allowed” Lee to escape. Far from Meade’s own base of supply, the Army of the Potomac’s commanders could not attack Lee, given the terrain they faced and Lee’s formidable defenses. Likewise, Meade believed that his army was not capable of successfully attacking those defenses, due to its lack of food, clothing, shoes, and other necessary supplies. Meade’s victory at Gettysburg would be jeopardized by a loss against Lee, whose army was well-equipped and well-organized as it retreated into Virginia.