April 3, 1863 (Friday): The President Visits

General Joseph Hooker

EXECUTIVE MANSION,
Washington, April 3, 1863.
Major-General HOOKER:
    Our plan is to pass Saturday night on the boat; go over from Aquia Creek to your camp Sunday morning; remain with you till Tuesday morning, and then return. Our party will probably not exceed six persons of all sorts.


A. LINCOLN.



HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
April 3, 1863.
To His Excellency the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES:
     Your telegram of to-day has just been received by me. I am rejoiced to learn that you have appointed a time to visit this army, and only regret that your party is not as large as our hospitality. Your wishes will be secured at Aquia on your arrival.
    I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,


     JOSEPH HOOKER,
     Major-General, Commanding.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 51, Part 1, Page 1000.

Hooker was a military politician of the first rank.  No doubt he was disappointed not to be able to host a fuller contingent of dignitaries.  Lincoln was coming to Aquia Creek, south of Washington and North of Fredericksburg with his wife and child, one cabinet member, and a reporter.