Gettysburg 2026 page 2 by ric gustafson
Major General Joseph Hooker was tormented. The 48 year old from West Point had risen quickly through the ranks. He had solid performances on the battlefield until Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. His performance at Fredericksburg had tagged him for dismissal. Then Hooker found himself commanding the Army of the Potomac. President Lincoln knew Hooker was overconfident.
Hooker's failings at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville were many. There were leadership lapses from his corps officers. There were poor command decisions made by Hooker. Most of all, Hooker did not use all of his available units.
Newspaper headlines were not kind. The New York Herald led the pack for his dismissal. President Lincoln visited Hooker's headquarters. The President asked what Hooker's next plans were. Hooker did not give the President a precise date to move his men again. He cited casualties and the expiration of enlistments. Hooker moved his army to the northern bank of the Rappahannock River.
research help: ' Gettysburg a testing of courage' by Noah Andre Trudeau
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
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