Gen. Hooker, so far, has shown himself to be a chieftain, in the true sense of that term. He has done his utmost to bring up the spirit of the army, and his labor has been rewarded with the most gratifying success. The recent brilliant affair at Kelly’s Ford, where our cavalry rushed upon the foe, without firing a shot, and sabred the rebels in their intrenchments, is but one indication of the great change he has wrought. The utter worthlessness of our cavalry had long been the standing reproach of this army. “Who ever saw a dead cavalry man?” was the derisive interrogatory from every branch of the service. General Hooker resolved that this should cease. He said to a brigadier of cavalry:
“I know the South, and I know the North. In point of skill, of intelligence and pluck, the rebels will not compare with our men, if they are equally led. Our soldiers are a better quality of men. They are better fed, better clothed, better armed and infinitely better mounted for the rebels are fully half-mounted on mules, and their animals got but two rations of forage a week, while ours get seven. Now, with such soldiers, and with such a cause as we have behind them—the best cause, the most sacred cause since the world began—we ought to be invincible. You have got to stop these disgraceful cavalry ‘surprises!’ l’ll have no more of them! I give you full power over your officers, to arrest, cashier, shoot,—whatever you will—only you must stop these ‘surprises.’ And, sir, if you don’t do it, I give you fair notice, I will relieve the whole of you, and take command myself!” It is the kind of talk for tardy or delinquent officers, and the first fruits thereof may be read in the flash and ring of gallant sabres at Kelly’s Ford. It is the kind of talk to reform an army and to win battles, and to save a nation, and history will record every word in letters of gold—Army Cor. Wash. Chronicle.
Hammond Gazette, Point Lookout, MD