Page:Harris Dickson--The unpopular history of the United States.djvu/160

The Unpopular History of the United States had actually written out General Orders No. 8, dismissing from the service Generals Hooker, Brooks, Cochrane and Newton. Instead, however, of publishing these orders Burnside went to Washington to confer with the President. As an outcome of their interview Lincoln relieved Burnside of command, and appointed Hooker, in this characteristic letter:

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General:

I have placed you at the head of the Army of the Potomac. Of course I have done this upon what appears to me to be sufficient reason, and yet I think it best for you to know that there are some things with regard to which I am not satisfied with you. I believe you to be a brave and skillful soldier, which of course I like. I also believe you do not mix politics with your profession, in which you are right. You have confidence in your [142]