Mineral Point weekly tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1859-1868, 1863-04-08
CAMP OF THE Sd Wise oNsIN VOLUNTEERS,
MAR STAFFORD c. H. Va. March u 1863

NEAR STAFFORD v. H., va, March II, 1908.
The stereotyped announcement that the
" armies are getting ready to strike a
crushing blow to the rebellion" has be-
come about as significant as the sign that
creaks before a deserted tavern, or the ad-
vertisement of patent medicines-ever
before the eye, continually in the papers,
and yet meaning nothing. Nevertheless,
we realize now as never SO fully before,
that we are preparing for an arduous cam
paign, and that at no far distant day we
shall be seeking the enemy. Superhuous
baggage, nice suits Of clothing, the few
portablcs of comfort that officers have
enjoyed in camp are sent to the rear, to
be resumed at some future lull in opera
tions. Everything is to be dispensed with
except the bare essentials of living and
fighting.
Gen. Hooker is tired of being hampered
with mud. He chafes under the DONNA
tion of the sacred soil. With the in
stincts of Californian, he is substituting
the pack saddle for the heavy army wag~
on. a number Of pack mules are fur
nished each regiment to carry officers ra-
tons and blankets, and large trains of
pack mules have been organized to trans,
port supplies and ammunition. This ar
iduSCLhShe CIV Go ldC OK III IuOUlllGy IL
has never before had, declares our indie
us to move with celebrity before the enc
my, without bulky train to impede our
progress and demand protection.
A wonderful man is that Joe Hooker.
Indefatigable, slap dashical. off-hand. His
management since assuming command has
been mastery. His orders have been
few and simple, but they bring system
where once was chaos. His remedies are
severe, but they strike right to the core of
army vices and abuses. He has infused
his zeal and fire into his snbordinates.
Corps commanders, division commanders.
brigadiers and colonies are striving with all
zeal to bring their commands to the high
est state of discipline and efficiency. He
is shrewd, clear-headed, rollicking Yam
kee, knows the army by heart, its wants,
it's foibles, its fortes. He is becoming its
idol
He reviewed our corps the other day.
As he galloped down the lines, noncha-
lantly doffing his hat to every color, sit
ting his horse 80 firmly, so forgetfuily, the
men could hardly refrain from a tutnultu-
Gus cheer. Mounted on long bodied.
large-framed grey, he swept up and down
the lines with an easy canter, without ap
parent effort on the part of horse or rider.
The officers of his escort aud staff tried
to keep up, but it was no go. They fol.
lowed far bshind, wheeling, blowing,
foaming and jostling each other IS in
militia cavalry charge, while Old Joe,
with devil-may-careish majesty, went
his rounds. His strong, portly mein of
perfect self-posssssion, his rudy, sangune
face, bespeaks the live general of hard
knocks. There is a hearty confidence in
the manner in which he assures his off,
GERS that ne shall whip the rebsls. Rest
assured there will be no drawn battles un-
der Hooker. Victories will amount TO
something when he wins them, and will
be followed up instanter. 1t will not be a
thrust and a lunch, but "aiml 6rel
charged" His method will be the reverse
of McClellan's. Presenting that his force
is superior to that of the rebels. be
will have himself upon them. His metal
will be fairly tested this season, and it will
be a big win or big lose" Despite all
former disaster, the confidence of the ar
my is great and their hopes high for
brilliant and decisive campaign.