Every one of the generals leading the Army of the Potomac was accused
of the "longing for the Presidency," which placed the occupant in a
peculiar predicament. Of General "Joe" Hooker, it was said in the press
and in the Washington hotels that he was the "Man on Horseback," and
would, at the final success of clearing out the rebel beleaguers, set
up as dictator. Hence the letter which Lincoln wrote to him:
"I have heard in such a way as to believe it, of your recently saying
that both the army and the government needed a dictator. Of course, it
was not for this, but in spite of it, that I have given you the command
of the Army of the Potomac. What I now ask of you is military success,
and I will risk the dictatorship!"
It was April, 1863, Hooker issued the stereotyped address full of
confidence on taking command, advanced, and withdrew his army after the
repulse by Lee. All he scored was the death of "Stonewall" Jackson,
Lee's right hand, and that was an accident. As Lee invaded Maryland,
all hopes of Hooker's dictatorship were dispersed in the battle smoke
penetrating too far North to be pleasant incense to fallen heroes.
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