William H. Seward to George P. Marsh, June 29, 1863

Mr. Seward to Mr. Marsh

Sir: You may not be able to discover the true condition of military affairs through the confusion produced by the cross-lights of the press. Our official information represents the sieges of Port Hudson and Vicksburg as going on successfully. Two of the three corps of the insurgent army, lately encamped on the Rappahannock, have forded the Upper Potomac, and are in Maryland and Pennsylvania. The position of the third corps is not certainly known. General Hooker has, at his own request, been relieved, and is replaced by General Meade, an officer who enjoys the confidence of the army and of the War Department. He is moving vigorously, and, judging from present appearances, a meeting of the two armies is likely to occur in Pennsylvania, or on the border of Maryland. You will have heard much of cavalry raids, and other subordinate movements of the two armies, but they have thus far been unfruitful of any important results.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,