He knew of the assurance Washburne had given as to the character of his mission.

I never saw the man from the day of our introduction to the present that I recollect.

He accompanied us, however, for a time at least.
The second night after crossing the Rapidan (the night of the 5th of May) Colonel W.R.Rowley, of my staff, was acting as night officer at my headquarters.

A short time before midnight I gave him verbal instructions for the night.

Three days later I read in a Richmond paper a verbatim report of these instructions.
A few nights still later (after the first, and possibly after the second, day's fighting in the Wilderness) General Meade came to my tent for consultation, bringing with him some of his staff officers.