The National tribune., 1901-11-07

ment" But in a few days thereafter
that well-equipped, powerful army, in
which we trusted and of which we hoped
so much, was not merely stopped, but
had TO recross the RappahannOck for its
safety. Such are the vicissitudes of war,
and such were the unexpected results that
then occurred.
In this article | propose to speak Of
some of the incidents in one of the great
est disasters that befell the Union cause
ard will take up the thread Of that dis
course, prefacing such remarks by brief
statement of movements that led up to
that event.
After the repulse of Burnside's army
in its assault upon Lees army, then in
trenched upon the nights about Freder
icksburg, the Union army returned to its
camps about Falmouth, having met with
Il disastrous defeat, and. in addition TO
that calamity, it was evident that there
were serious dissensions among corps
commanders and a general distrust exist
ed among them as to the fitness Of Burn
side as Commander-in-Chief. Burnside
was well aware of this hostility TO him on
the part of some of the Generals, and he
decided upon the arrest of number, with
view of their dismissal from the army.
Burnside submitted this purpose to Presi-
dent Lincoln, who did not think it pru-
dent 10 go to the length that Burnside
suESeSItu Ill way VI punishment Vi MS
subordinates. Upon this decision of the
President Burnside asked to be relieved
as commander and was so relieved.
Gen. Hooker was selected to succeed
Burnside. Upon the appointment of
Hooker the President wrote him letter
that, in many respects, has been consId-
cred one of the most remarkable written
by him during his Administration. Mr..
Lincoln frankly pointed out to Hooker
the qualities wherein he thought he was
deficient; as, for instance, it had been
said of him that in his opinion the times
and conditions were ripe for a dictator,
and that he had allowed his vanity or am
bitiOn TO get the better Of his judgment,
thus interfering with him in doing his
full duty i'll not having given that hearty
support as a subaltern TO his superior
which now, as superior, he would eX-
pect Of others; and as for the dictator,
Mr.. Lincoln told Hooker TO go ahead and
win victories, and he would take care of
the dictator. Mr.. Lincoln told Hooker
that it was not for these qualities and
expressions that he had appointed him,
but because of his great personal bravery
and efficiency in battle, and bade him go
ahead and win victories, and he would
sustain and support him.
REORGANIZATION OF THE ARMY UNDER
HOOKER.
Hooker at once took up the work of
reorganiZing his army, and the demoraliZa-
ton of it was so great that this seemed
q mighty undertaking, as the reports
showed that at that time there were 49,
600 soldiers absent from it without leave
or, III other words, were deserters. Dur
ing the Winter of SO Hooker brought this
army up TO the highest state of efficiency,
and about all Of that vast army that was
absent without leave were brought back
by one means or another. and restored to
duty.
Towards the last Of April. following,
having matured his plans and perfected
his arrangements for crossing the Rap
pahannock at the upper fOrds and seiZing
d position at Charlottesville, which, in
his opinion, would compel Lee to come
off of the nights at Fredericksburg, and
| then, if Lee would not attack him III that
chosen position, why, he HookerD would
| follow and fight Lee as he retreated to-
ward Richmond This, in brief, was
| Hooker's plan for the campaign of Chan
cellorsyille, and 1t was q complete sue
cess up to the very hodr that Stonewall
Jackson surprised and routed the entire
Eleventh Corps; thereafter the COnfed-
crates had their own way and were mas
| ters of the situation.
As soon as Hooker considered the re-
organization Of his army complete he is.
sued the necessary orders TO put that
army in motion, and at the appointed
hour named by him his several corps and
commands, wherever located, broke camp
and began the march to reach the place
where each respectively was to cross the
river.
ADVANCE on LEE.
Sedgwick, with the Sixth Corps anG
part of the Second, was to cross below
Fredericksburg, then attack whatever
force Lee might leave for its defense
When such n force had been effectuallS
driven off, then Sedgwick was 10 move
forward and join forces with Hooker whC
would await his coming at Chancellors
vile. Under these circumstances, and t.
carry out this plan, Sedgwick and Hooker
moved forward TO complete their respect
i've tasks.
Toward the close of the day that the
head of column of Geary's Division
Twelfth Corps, reached the vicinity of tn,
pontoon bridge at Kelleys Ford, anc
there was awaiting it's turn to cross tn,
RappahannOck, Hooker rode up, but hao
to halt, owing to blockade upon tn,