Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1863-07-09
THE REMOVAL OF GEN. HOOKER.

Extracts from Correspondence Of the Boston Journal
FREDERICK, JUNE %, 1868.
This morning n special train arrived here bringing a
messenger from the War Department with order re-
lievng Gen Hooker Of the command Of the army and ap
pointing Gen Meade his 1t surprise
to all here although was informed yesterday morning in
Washington that there prospect Of some trouble be-
tween Gen. Hooker and Geu Haleck. do not profess
to know all the secret history of what has eliminated in
the removal rather the retirement Of Gen. Hooker but
viii give what have to believe is the truth
Gen. Hooker, at consultation in Washington last
Wednesday laid before the Department and the Cabinet
his plan of operations. He believed that Lee was it,
tending seriously extensive invasion of the North To
meet him he desired that all the available troops should be
placed at his disposal He believed Washington t. be in
especial danger from attack The front and asked
for large portion OF Hentzelman troops. His request
complied with by the President and in the quar-
termasters department detailed for guard duty
On Thursday he Joined the army and commenced the
movement which has placed the army in position to fall
upon Leo with tremendous force
Cen Hooker does not believe Harpers Ferry to be Of
any especial account now that Lee has advanced into
Pennsylvania He asked that the troops there might be
placed at his disposal in of emergency Gen Haeck
takes different view He appear to consider Harpers
Ferry as OF great value to protect Washington and
unwilling that there should be possibility of its
ton The request refused by Gen Halleck Gen.
Hooker instructions ordered him not only to Wash
ments He informed the Department that if bis request
could not be complied with that he desired be relieved
from the command Of the army. The matter was laid
before the President and Gen granted
He is relieved and ordered to report at Baltimore Gen
Meade il his successor although Sedgwck Socun and
Reynolds are his superiors.
Yesterday Gen. Hooker visited Harper's Ferry and
Maryland Heights, and after careful inspection and sur
vey be considers The position Of but little in
the present campaign. Whether Gen Hooker is right or
wrong, whether he great General or poor one is not
mn may hp that no
general in the field has equaed him in rapdity Of move
ment.
1t is small thing that Gen Halleck asked Hooker
b. do be must Washington, Harper's Ferry and
Baltimore and at the tune defeat Lee in Pennsy
yana understand that the President has granted sub
stantslly to Gen Meade what was deued to Hooker:
that he is to his best judgment in regard to evacuatng
Or holding Maryland Heights aud .Harper'a Ferry.
have heard other reasons about town, and among
officer, assigned for the change of commanders-that
locker had allowed Lee tn out general HIM that Hook
ets rashness would endspger Washington; but believe
the above statement TO bs substantially correct 1t
snpy whether Gen Hooker or Gen Halleck should fight
The battle. After Longstreet and Ewel had left Freder-
cksburg Hooker about to the Rappahannock
aud attack A. 7. Ill., believing that he could annhilste
% ana then be IN front Washington before Longstreet
and Ewel could make their roundabout march through
the Shenandoah but Gen Haleck nterfercd and he was
not permitted to make the attack
Ihe change OF commanders is in no political in.
.er,eren6e DIt one purely military The issue was be-
tween Hslleck and Hooker. understand that Gen
Heinzeman did not approve Of Hooker's programme
nave not dlscoVered any signs OF dissatisfaction i'm the
army mere are but lew who know the facts do not
think 1t will seriously affect the morale of the troops
They expect to light the enemy They have been 10 .er
vice long enough to obey Commands ard If they come upon
Lee upon Pehn'yyana soil they will but little who ia
- command provided they led galanly and provided
the attack s well timed and directed At the same time
General who can make himself living almost personal
presence to the army will accomplish great results Such
men are men u genius. We have found them in the
present war
The change will not seriously affect the machinery &c
the army Generals Ingas, Patrick and Williams will
emain at their posts
IL is no time for a newspaper the removal Of
Gen. Hooker. Our country must b. saved. The enemy
must be defeated Let emulate the spirit Of Stark at
Bunker Hill In the thcket Of the fight word was brought
to him that his shot His reply was this: Ii il
time Tor private grels when the enemy in front
Our country is not lost Our cause is not ruined Our
work is for the coming ager, and il will not fail
@. G.. COFFIN