The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-04-07

River. we supposed Washington to be gar
risoned sufficiently, and the Potomac i'm
passabIe except by bridges. The forti6ca-
tion of Harper's Ferry is another impor-
tant requisite. These matters were con-
sidered as of course. and did not enter
into our discussion of the two plans of
campaign | presume that you are right
In surprising that I advised the withdrawal
of the army from James River in July last.
/ think that under the same circumstances
/ would give the same advice. The army
was debilitated by what it had already
gone through, was in an unhealthy posi-
ton. its sick-list was enormous. and there
was a prospect that We would have to re-
main in that position during the two worst
months-August and September. The eff
! feet of this would have been to ruin the
Army i'm health Circumstances are very
different now. The army is in good health
and the best months of the year are before
Ms.
Very respectfully, your obedient serv-
W. B. FRANKLIN,
Maj General
!. The germ Of the badge designation was
the happy thought of Gen. kearny, who,
at Fair Oaks, ordered the soldiers of his
division to sew a piece of red flannel to
their caps, so that he could recognize them
in the tumult of battle. Hooker developed
the idea into a system of immense utility,
and henceforth the different corps and d.
visions could always be distinguished by
the red. white, or blue trefoil, cross,
lozenge. star. etc.
9. The cavalry of the army had hitherto
had no organization whatever as CORPS
1t was organized by brigades or divisions
and scattered among the grand division
comma nders. From the time of its con-
solidation il was able to act in its legiti-
IN ann nd nd sFv,r
ment. On the 18th of March. Hooker sent
out an expedition of six mounted regiments
and battery, under Gen. Averill, to en-
gage the Confederate cavalry on Lees left,
holding position near kelly's Ford. Fore
Ing the passage of the Rappahannock at
Kelly's Ford. on the morning of the 18th,
by a spirited dash. i'm which "A of the
ward. driving the enemy before him for
four miles south of the river, when he be-
Came engaged with the Confederate cavalry
brigade of Fitz Hugh Lee. A very brilliant
passage at arms here ensued, both sides re-
peatediy charging with the saber. Moth
Ing decisive resulted; but the Union cav
elry were much encouraged by the exploit.
Ayerilrs loss was 81 that of the -Confed-
crates 11O.-Fitz Lee: Report of.KeIleys-
VILE. Is
B. 1t was not without truth that Hooker
at this time. in his grandiose style, named
lt the nnest army on the planet. ----as
4. This estimate is approximate: the
data are as follows: The effective of the
Fifth. Eleventh, and Twelfth corps was
pht by Gen. Hooker, just before Chancel-
louisville, at 44,G61.-Report on the Con.
duct OF the War. second Series. VOL 1, p
y2o. The effective of the Sixth Corps is
kiven by Gen: Sedgwick (ibid., p. 95) as
R2,OOO, and the effective of the First and
Third Corps, by the same authority. was
So,UW. There remains the Second Corps
90 which. if We give minimum OF 1900
kpere will result the aggregate of 1861
Q. Pleasonton: Official Returns. Nav 27
o. Hunt: Report of Artillery Operations
., Gems. Franklin and Sumner both re.
Pred from the Army of the Potomac after
Ene change of commander. The latter was
ASSIGNED to a command in the West, but
S}ed soon afterward at his home in New
York, iamented by the army and the com.
" as the bravsst q SOLDIER and purest OF