Banks, Nathaniel Prentiss (1816-1894) to Samuel Hooper
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02944.02 Author/Creator: Banks, Nathaniel Prentiss (1816-1894) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 October 1862 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 25.2 x 19.9 cm. Order a Copy
Banks, commander of the Military District of Washington, Army of the Potomac, writes to Hooper, a United States Representative from Massachusetts. Discusses the court martial of Lt. Goodrich (possibly the son of John Goodrich, former Representative and Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts). Writes, "It is very difficult to get a reversal of the judgment of a court martial for the reason that the discipline of the army is so low, and the gov't so weak." Asks if it would be sufficient for President Lincoln and the Secretary (possibly Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War) to annul the sentence, and substitute a lesser penalty. Remarks on dispatches sent from President Lincoln to General George McClellan pertaining to Confederate movement. Mentions recent elections, (possibly referring to the 1862 House election): "The Elections stagger men here a little but I feel no apprehension from the result exhibited. Extreme men cannot govern the country..." Mentions Forey's address to the Mexicans, printed in the New York papers 17 October (possibly referring to General Elie Frederie Forey). Uses wagon drivers as a metaphor to describe the necessary qualities of a United States leader. Written on Headquarters, Defences of Washington stationery.
17. October. 1862.
My Dear Sir
Mr: Austin called upon me today in reference to the case of [struck: Lt] [inserted: Lt:] Goodrich of which you spoke to me. I gave him such assistance as I could. - It is my belief that your object can be obtained, by, an avoidance of the main issue: It is very difficult to get a reversal of the judgment of a Court Marshall for the reason that the discipline of the army is so low, and the govt,, so weak. If I can get the secretary to open the case for consideration, I think this point might be [gained], Would it be sufficient if the President & Secretary were willing to annul the sentence of the Court to substitute a lesser penalty of suspension for six months, with subsequent restoration to his Commission? You will see that this - if satisfactory - would [2] obviate all the difficulties that the government will find in its re-consideration. I mentioned it to Mr: Austin who sd he thought it would be satisfactory, and further, that it would be right - If you think so, I will do all I can to place, the final record on that basis: if not to, obtain if possible the full revocation of the dicision and a new trial - I told Mr Austin I shd - interest myself in the matter on your account, only.
There is nothing important here - The President sent despatches to Genl McClellan by Col - Perkins Chief of my staff, the day you left. They were advisory not mandatory. You may look for action on the Potomac, but not immediately I think - The Enemy, seems inclined to retreat but it is not yet certain what he will do.
The Elections stagger men here a little, but I feel no apprehension from the results exhibited, extreme men cannot govern this country, nor is any policy likely to be successful for a long time [3] which has not two Characteristics - that of converting the public mind to a fixed purpose, in the future & adaptation to the opinions of men and condition of things now - If the govt is wise enough - to adopt such a policy - it will obtain strength enough from the People, to, carry it out and perpetuate it hereafter. I hope and think that will happen - If so, "All Hail, the hereafter" - The address of Forey, to the Mexicans, which is printed in the New York papers of today, is significant. Louis Napoleon purposes are boldly, proclaimed, and we cannot fail to be involved if they are carried out. - There are two kinds of teamsters, in the army - The New England Regiments come down here, with a strong wagon, six fine horses & the drivers perched upon [struck: the] [inserted: a high] box, with two-hands-full of reins - The other driver straddles the nigh wheel horse, & with whip and voice carries his team through all obstacles - so long as the traces hold - If the man on the box, loses one of [struck: his] [inserted: his] reins, his control is gone. I noticed when we crossed, the Potomac [4] on our retreats, through a frightful ford, that not one escaped drowning, where the driver sat on the box - I think the m[struck: a][inserted: e]n who govern[struck: s] this country in the next ten years must straddle the leaders, rather than the wheel horses -
Very Truly Yours,
N.P. Banks
Honorable Saml Hooper.
[docket]
About the son of
Mr Goodrich.
Genl Banks
Washington Oct.17.1862
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