A major goal of Abraham Lincoln’s was to keep harmony among his Union army generals. While he was not always successful in doing so, Lincoln was aware of many interpersonal conflicts between his generals and often intervened, seeking resolution.
On Tuesday, March 29, 1864 Lincoln successfully dissuaded General George Meade from formally requesting a court of inquiry over decisions Meade himself had made at the Battle of Gettysburg. We know today that critics, including Union General Daniel Sickles, claimed that Meade had intended to retreat from Gettysburg on the second day rather than stand and fight Lee’s Confederates, as he ultimately did.
Criticism of Meade had appeared in Northern newspapers, and Lincoln talked Meade out of a court of inquiry, keeping him in charge of the Army of the Potomac.