September 26, 1863 (Monday): Hooker Goes West

General Joseph Hooker

NEWTOWN, September 26, 1863.
(Via Staunton, 27th.)
General S. COOPER:
      Generals Slocum's and Howard's corps are going to re-enforce Rosecrans, and will be under Joe Hooker. They move 5,000 every night over the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and commenced last night, 25th. I have sent courier to General Ewell with full particulars, and will try to damage the railroad to-night.


      H. W. GILMOR,
      Major, Commanding Cavalry.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 51, Part 2, Page 770.

Gilmor eas correct in stating Slocum and Howard's corps were on their way to reenforce Roscrans and that Hooker would be their commander.  Although Hooker did not distinguish himself in the Chancellorsville campaign, he was an experienced officer who had handled large formations in the field.  At this point in the war, battle losses and an expanding army made for a surfeit of such officers, however marred their reputation.