Hooker, Joseph (1814-1879) to Ira Harris
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00072 Author/Creator: Hooker, Joseph (1814-1879) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 May 1862 Pagination: 3 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Hooker circumvents the normal military practice of waiting to send out copies of battle reports until after their release through proper channels in order to scathingly criticize General George McClellan's leadership in the battle of Williamsburg. He writes to Senator Harris because many of the men lost in battle came from New York, the state Harris represented.
Camp near West Point
May 12, 1862
Dr Senator:
It is no usual to send out copies of official reports of battles until after they have been made public through the proper channels, but so much unjustice has been done my command by the dispatches of the Major General commanding this Army & the press, which he seems to control, I shall depart from that practice with merely the annexation of one condition which is that you will not allow it to be published.
My respect fidelity to the dead no less than justice and gratitude to the living require that no unnecessary time be lost in having the true history of the battle of Williamsburg made public.
The conduct of the major General in this matter is inexplicable. He has been lavishly offensive in this praises of an affair on the same day really of no consequence, while he has presumed a studied silence of the only event connected with the Army of the Potomac which can be pointed to with pride. This, Senator, is true.
Whether it arises from his ignorance of soldiership or unwillingness to appreciate it in any but his favorites or that he takes excepetion to that part of my report which reflects severely upon himself & through him upon some of his commanders I do not know.
Four of the Regiments and three of the and Batteries of my command were citizens of the state you so well represent two of the Regts. lost each one in four of their number in the heroick discharge of their duty. If this commanding General cannot appreciate these sacrifices I may not count on justice being done then by their representatives in Congress. I hope that you will not move I this until after you are further advised which will be soon.
My captured prisoners on that day are the representatives of forty Rebel Regiments.
I hope Senator that this may find yourself & family as well as I desire you to be.
With great respect
Your friend & svt
Joseph Hooker
General (?)
Senator Ira Harris
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