the East we were sorely troubled for some one who could do
something.

General Hooker was brave and bold. But, my son, he had such a
weakness for blowing his own trumpet. Yes, he could blow it as loud
and as long as any trumpeter you ever listened to--Pope excepted. He
had declared of himself that he was just the man to lead our army to
victory, and give the enemy a sound thrashing. It was true, this
general had been very insubordinate. He had said a number of things,
neither wise nor polite, of his superiors. And he had set an example
to his soldiers not inclined to improve their discipline. As,
however, he had declared himself the man to lead our army to
victory, and the government wanted just such a man, it took the
general at his word, and gave him the command.

There were some people, my son, unkind enough to say, and say
boldly, that the government did this strange act more to show its
appreciation of insubordination than out of respect to his capacity
to discharge successfully the duties of his high position. When,
however, the general had talked himself into the very best opinion
of himself, he went to work nursing his grand army into good order.
Yes, my son, the old army of the Potomac was a grand army, and
General Hooker declared it was the finest on the face of the globe.
And he nursed it into good order on the left bank of the
Rappahannock, from December, 1862, to early April, 1863. The general
could get up of a morning, and enjoy a look at his old friend Lee,
quietly domiciled on the opposite bank. And General Lee could get up
of a morning, and do the same. Both generals regarded this as a very
harmless and pleasant way of spending the winter, while carrying on
the war. They would, at times, it is true, exchange compliments of a