The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-07-06


Union side, and Lee not only failed to break
Meade's lines, but suffered fearfully in his at
tempts Meade resisted the impetuous onsets
of the Southern troops with all the obstinacy
of Wellington at Waterloo, and with the same
fearful losses to the enemy and himself. He
thus saved Washington and the republic.
The military authorities at Washington,
can now head OFF. destroy and capture
the whole rebel army, aud thus give the
finishing blow to the rebellion. They can make
the battles of Gettysburg as disastrous to Lee
as was that of Leipsic or Waterloo to Napoleon.
Will they do it, We pause for their action, and
the nation with breathless suspense, is watch
ing the termination Of this campaign, to see
whether it will virtually end the war or pro-
tract the struggle into another year.
General George G. Meade, tho Comma nder
OF the Army Of the POtOmac.
The career oil the new commander OF the
Army of the Potomac has been. up to the pres
ent time, that of brave, honest, capable sol
der Circumstances lent no additional bril-
liancy to services which, though most efficient.
were of q nature to escape the notice Of those
not particularly interested in watching the
movements Of our officers. The record of Gene
raj Meade, now that we look back upon it,
proves all in his favor. He has given to his
country that entire devotion which sigHalizes
the true patriot. He served.in Mexico with re-
markabe determination and bravery, az is
proved by the official reports OF the campaign.
He was brcyeted for conspicuous gallanlry in
1916
When this rebellion irst broke out and under
the call of President Lincoln for three hundred
thou sand volunteers, George G. Meade was APP
pointed brigade commander, his commission
as brigadier general dating August 81 1861.
He has taken an active part in all the yiciss;-
fudes and triumphs Of the Army of the Poto-
mac. On the 26th Of June, 1862, he distinguish
ed himself by his bravery at the famous battle
of Mechanicsvle, where Stonewall Jackson made
his determined onslaught upon Gen. McClellans
right wing. AT the battle of Gaines Mills Gene
raj Meade was breveted for his distinguished
services, aud throughout the Maryland cam
paign we fad at all times the record of t6;s gal
liant soldier filed with evidences of bravery
and skill. II is we'll known that at the disas-
trous battle of Fredericksburg General Meade
greatly distinguished himself while in command
OF the Pennsylvania reserves. He then was
called to the command Of the Fifth army corps,
the President appointing him for that purpose
q major general Of volunteers. At Chancel-
louisville this Fifth army corps played noble
role throughout the conflict, aud at its termina-
ton General Meade, with his gallant corps,
covered the retrca. Of the whole of Hookcr's
army.
in the hour OF need this faithful aud tried sol
der was placed at the head Of that army which
was called upon to save the nation from dis
grace and the capital from the destruction
which menaced it. He assumed the duties OF
this great command modestly aud with calm
dignity which spoke volumes in his favor. He
acted well we now know. The SOL
diers, when they found this commander
handling them with decision and ability,
felt their courage revive. With confidence
in their chief came the will to conquer. We
heard of their long and forced marches, and
now the whole North is ringing with the news
of the desperate battle which has taken place,
rious victory which shall crush out the rebel
lion and enable us to restore the Union in all
its power and glory. All honor to the ssilful
soldier WHO has accomplished this great result,
aud who has so suddenly caused tie bright halo
of victory to dispel the gloom aud uncertainty
Of the darkest hour Of our national existence
Comparatively unknown yesterday, General
Meade is to-day the hope of the people, who
feel that upon his skin and the patriotism and
valor of his army depend the fate Of our Union.
None can be unaware how disastrous q defeat
would have been at this time. All must know
that the success Of Lee would have covered the
North with disgrace-have Inundated us in the
saved by the able generalship Of the new CON-
mander Of the Army of the Potomac, who has
known how to make good use of the tried
valor of that noble body of troops The peo-
pie of the North will ever bear in mind the
achievements of General Meade and his gallant
officers and army. and will return thanks TO
Providence that in the day of trial worthy
soldier was found to save tie nation from dis
grace and to uphold the supremacy Of our just
cause
FOURTH or JuiY FIREwoRKs---The fire works
in this city on the evening of the Fourth OF
July were very beautiful and very we'll man.
aged. We are sorry. however, that skyrockcts
made up so large portion Of the exhibitions.
These rockets are not particularly briilan,
and are extremely Objectionable. They place
the lives Of the spectators in jeopardy aud. Ike
fiery arrows, are liable to set on fire the private
residences near the scene OF the display. Each
OF these rockets is furnished with long, pointed
stick, which comes down ;rom the sky with such
force az to transix the person upon whom il