Meade
GEORGE GORDON, an American military officer; born in Cadiz, Spain, where his father was United States naval agent, Dec. 31, 1815; was graduated at the United States Military MEADOW Academy in 1835; served for a time against the Seminole Indians and in the Mexican War. In 1861 he obtained a brigade of volunteers, and during the Peninsular campaign received a severe gunshot wound. He distinguished himself at Antietam and at Fredericksburg, and was promoted Major-General in November, 1862. In June, 1863, he was placed in command of the Army of the Potomac, superseding Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER (q. v.) on the night of the 27th. A week later the battles of Gettysburg had been fought under his command, and Lee's effort to carry the war into the country N. of the Potomac had been defeated. Meade became Brigadier-General in the regular army on July 3, and Major-General in 1864. After the war he commanded various military departments till his death, in Philadelphia, Nov. 6, 1872.