April 13, 1863 (Monday): Hooker's Worst Enemy-Hooker

General Joesph Hooker

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
April 13, 1863-9.20 p. m.
Major General H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
     If it is deemed of importance to keep open the telegraph communication to this point, it will require that a regiment of cavalry be sent from Washington to patrol and guard the line via Occoquan to Dumfries. My cavalry have other duties that will prevent their attending to this. The force should be send without delay.


    JOSEPH HOOKER,
    Major-General.


WASHINGTON, D. C., April 13, 1863.
Major-General HOOKER,
Headquarters Army of the Potomac:
    I do not think that the safety of Washington depends upon the maintenance of communication with your army, but I think it is your duty to maintain your communications with Washington, and to kept the War Department advised of all your movements and intended movements. You therefore have my orders to keep up such communications.


     H. W. HALLECK,
     General-in-Chief.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 25, Part 2, Page 210.

Hooker was first and foremost about Joe Hooker.  A competent officer with some grasp of strategy, he devoted a great deal of time to gaining influence with politicians even if it came at the expense of his fellow officers.  He had no reason to keep Halleck uniformed of his movements, but felt it was not necessary.  When Halleck responded to his message Hooker forwarded the correspondence to the Secretary of War and asked it be laid before the President for his consideration.