Banks, Nathaniel Prentiss, 1816-1894 to Samuel Hooper
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02944.02 Author/Creator: Banks, Nathaniel Prentiss, 1816-1894 Place Written: Washington, District of Columbia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 October 1862 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 25.2 x 19.9 cm. Order a Copy
Banks, commander of the Military District of Washington, Army of the Potomac, writes to Hooper, a United States Representative from Massachusetts. Discusses the court martial of Lt. Goodrich (possibly the son of John Goodrich, former Representative and Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts). Writes, "It is very difficult to get a reversal of the judgment of a court martial for the reason that the discipline of the army is so low, and the gov't so weak." Asks if it would be sufficient for President Lincoln and the Secretary (possibly Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War) to annul the sentence, and substitute a lesser penalty. Remarks on dispatches sent from President Lincoln to General George McClellan pertaining to Confederate movement. Mentions recent elections, (possibly referring to the 1862 House election): "The Elections stagger men here a little but I feel no apprehension from the result exhibited. Extreme men cannot govern the country..." Mentions Forey's address to the Mexicans, printed in the New York papers 17 October (possibly referring to General Elie Frederie Forey). Uses wagon drivers as a metaphor to describe the necessary qualities of a United States leader. Written on Headquarters, Defences of Washington stationery.
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