Litchfield enquirer., 1863-02-12
How GrS. HoorFs GOT INTO TIE SERVICE.

How GEN. HOOKER GOT INTO TIE SERVICE. I-We fad the following interesting story about Gen. Hooker in the Chicago Irsbnne of Thursday:
 ( When the war broke out, Gen. Hooker, then in California, came post haste ts Wash ington to offer his services to the government. Gen Scott was at the head of the military af. fairs of the country; and between that old gentleman and Gen. Hooker was Il feud dating back to the Mexican war hence, as every thing relating to the army was referred to Scott, Hooker was safieie to apply in vain for even , regimental command. Disguised and mad, he made his preparations % return to the Pa ciic coast, and was about to start, when the first battle of Bull Run was fought. TLere was nothing in that to encourage; SO he went up to the White House, as the last thing be fore leaving. to call on the Pre- .ident. whom he had never seen. He was introduced by some mistake of his friend as Captain Hooker.a and the following was the conversation that en. sued |
 :. Hooker. Mir. President was introduced to you as Capt. Hooker. an, or was Lieut.. Cul. Hooker of the regular army When this war began. was at home in California, and hastened to make tender of my services to the government; hut my relation to Gen Scott or some other impeachment stands in the way. and l see no chance of making my military knowledge and experience useful am about 10 return, but befDre going, was anxious to pay my respects to you. and to express my | wishes for sur personal welfare and for your success in putting down this internal rebellion.
 And want, while am at it. to say one thing more: was at Isu.l Run the other day. Mr
 President, and it is no vanity or boastng in | m to say that am -- sight better gen eral than you. sir. had on that feld.' "The President, in repeating this speech says that he looked at the speaker tn see what manner of a man hs was who made such n
 boast. His eye was steady and clenr, his mat, ner not half SD confident as hls words. and al
 together he had the air of a man of sense and intelligence, who thoroughly believed Ill
 himself asd who would at least try to make
 his words good. W impressed with him and rising out nf my chair walked up to him and putting my hand on his shoulder sai,l
 Colonel. not Lieutenant Colonel Hooker stay I have use for You. and regiment for yuu to cemmand' s |" He did stay. The promised regiment was put under his orders, and from it he was soMl
 promoted te brigade. and thence to majol generals place in command of division. "' In every position in which he has beer
 put says Mir. Lincoln. Gen. Hooker ha. equallel the expec, ations which hi. s.lf con
 fdrnce excited. A "a colonel. as Il brigadi-l
 and As major general he has done exceeding
 ly we'll, and should he eyer bs called to com
 mand this army have nu doubt hs would ac
 quit himself as galantly as any man in the
 country
 1 That's the way that Gen. Hooker got into
 tfe service. In Washington. Mr. Lincoln,s rl, | tiality for him is no secret. When it was de
 terlni,, d to remove Mcclellan the head of th. | F'itz John Porter gang. the question ofsHcces l The Presidents lnclinatinns and preference.
 pointed to Fighting Joe as the man: and h,
 yit lded them to the rep esentations of Gen
 flalleck and others, with great reluctance, and
 as is said. with secret forebodinss of what Wa.
 to follow"