General Joseph Hooker. A daring and experienced veteran of the Mexican
War, Hooker had risen in the Civil War from brigade commander to be the
commander of a grand division of the Army of the Potomac, and had never
been found wanting. His advancement to the head of the Army of the
Potomac, on January 26, 1863, was a tragic episode in his own career and
in that of the Federal arms. Gloom hung heavy over the North after
Fredericksburg. Upon Hooker fell the difficult task of redeeming the
unfulfilled political pledges for a speedy lifting of that gloom. It was
his fortune only to deepen it.
[Illustration: "STONEWALL" JACKSON--TWO WEEKS BEFORE HIS MORTAL WOUND