Headquarters 1st Army Corps, June 28, 10 P.M., 1863.
Dear Father, — We have had another change for the better. General Hooker has been relieved, and General Meade put in his place. The Administration would not let Hooker withdraw our forces from Harper’s Ferry, nor would they give him any reinforcements from Washington or Baltimore, and so he properly resigned. This suicidal policy of the Government is strange. Here we have the whole rebel force in Pennsylvania, and greatly outnumbering us, and yet they persist in keeping a large force at both of these places, in order to prevent the Secessionists from “robbing the stores.” This is President Lincoln’s reason, given to General Butterfield.
You spoke of Porter and McClellan in your last letter in a very unfair way. They are true and loyal and were always willing to carry out the views of the President. The more I see of this war, the stronger and firmer is my belief in McClellan. I see Hooker doing exactly what McC. was blamed for doing, and I see Grant butting against the fortifications of Vicksburg and being driven back with fearful loss, and finally resorting to the despised spade. Now, McClellan would have suffered the same defeat at Yorktown had he attempted to assault it, and yet just see how he has been abused for not doing it. All the soldiers and officers are still strong McClellanites, and General Meade among the number.
We are encamped near Frederick, having marched here to-day, and to-morrow march Northward. May success attend us.
Palfrey is sick and in the hospital. I sent him a bottle of sherry and a few delicacies to help him along. . . .
