Solomon Meredith was 6′ 7′ tall and became known as “Long Sol”  (Library of Congress).

We have discussed Meade’s official report about Gettysburg previously, especially the negative reactions to it.  As to young Arthur Parker, the aide who disappeared, more than a year will pass before Meade gets any clues about his disappearance. I, however, was able to find a bit more about Parker here. He was the nephew of Cortlandt Parker, a Meade family friend. The Sol. Meredith whom Meade contacted to get information appears to be Solomon Meredith of Indiana, who had commanded the Iron Brigade (and was wounded) at Gettysburg. The battlefield’s Meredith Avenue was named after him.

I wish Margaretta Meade’s letters had survived; I would like to hear her reasons for thinking someone was opening Meade’s letters. McClellan, in exile in New Jersey, began to think the same thing.

I have been very busy writing my report of the battle of Gettysburg, which has been delayed till this time by the want of the reports of my subordinate commanders, many of whom were absent, wounded. I have at last got through with it, and feel greatly relieved, although I have made it as short and simple as possible.

I can hardly believe my letters are opened, as you suspect. I can see no object to be gained, and the crime is so heinous I cannot believe any one would be guilty of it.

I have heard nothing definite of young Parker since he disappeared. I wrote to Sol. Meredith (Brigadier General), who is at present our commissioner at Fortress Monroe for the exchange of prisoners, and asked him to enquire through the Confederate Commissioner whether Lieutenant Parker had reached Richmond. He answered he would do so, and send any intelligence to his father at Boston. I presume, however, he would let me know also if he heard anything.

The only member of my staff, besides Humphreys, who messes with me, is Colonel Lyman. As he is an unpaid volunteer, and came to me on personal considerations, I took him into my mess.

Meade’s correspondence taken from The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Major-General United States Army, Vol. 2, (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1913), p. 152. Available via Google Books.