Banks, Nathaniel Prentiss, 1816-1894 to Samuel Hooper

Banks, commander of the Military District of Washington, Army of the Potomac, discusses the furlough of Private Sherrin of the 2nd Massachusetts (Banks appealed for Sherrin's furlough on behalf of Hooper, and the furlough was denied). Mentions many mutual acquaintances, including Mr. Whittemore, Mr. Haver, and Colonel Lincoln, who taught Banks to love sherry. Comments on Civil War leadership: "What the Country most needs is a change. Not in men Nor in measures, but in the management of affairs- It is not important that we are better or worse in the way we are going- The country requires a change in the direction 'by the head of column-' to give vigor & efficiency to our government. I see this more in the army, than in other branches of public administration." Criticizes a lack of unification between government and military in Union forces, writing "We have too much intellect... as a nation to be destroyed by inanity or division." Discusses the Emancipation Proclamation and the superiority of Northern troops. Thanks Hooper for wine from Hooper's cellar. Docketed on the top of the last page. Written on Head Quarters, Defences of Washington stationery.