To Joseph Hooker1Jump to section
Major-General Hooker: Your letter, by the hand of General Butterfield, is received, and will be conformed to. The thing you dispense with would have been ready by midday to-morrow.
A. LINCOLN.
Annotation
[1] OR, I, XXV, II, 200. Hooker's letter of April 11, 1863, brought by Major General Daniel Butterfield, reads as follows:
``After giving the subject my best reflection, I have concluded that I will have more chance of inflicting a serious blow upon the Enemy by turning his position to my right, and if practicable to sever his communication with Richmond with my Dragoon force, and such Batteries as it may be deemed advisable to send with them. I am apprehensive that he will retire from before me the moment I should succeed in crossing the river, and over the shortest line to Richmond, and thus escape being seriously crippled.
``I hope that when the Cavalry have established themselves on the line between him and Richmond, they will be able to hold him and check his retreat until I can fall on his rear---or if not that, I will compel him to fall back by the way of Culpepper, and Gordonsville over a longer line than my own with his supplies cut off.
``The Cavalry will probably cross the river above the Rappahannock bridge, thence to Culpepper and Gordonsville, and across to the Aquia Railroad somewhere in the vicinity of Hanover Court House. They will probably have a fight in the vicinity of Culpepper, but not one that should cause them much delay or embarrassment.
``I have given directions for the Cavalry to be in readiness to commence the movement on Monday morning next. While the Cavalry are moving, I shall threaten the passage of the river at various points, and after they have passed well to the Enemies rear, shall endeavor to effect the crossing.
``I hope Mr. President, that this plan will receive your approval. It will obviate the necessity of detaching a force from Washington in the direction of Warrenton, while I think it will enhance my chances for inflicting a heavy blow upon the enemies forces.
``We have no news from over the river today, the enemy refusing to let us have the newspaper.
``I sincerely trust that you reached home safely, and in good time yesterday.
``We all look back to your visit with great satisfaction.'' (DLC-RTL).