not wish to remain another day, and I left the papers with the chief
clerk; and I also received the assurance of Colonel Ripley, that he
would give personal and prompt attention to transmitting them to
Boston. I shall expect them on Sunday.

Colonel Ripley issued an order on Tuesday for rifling cannon. Mr.
Forbes' letter aided very much.

I am truly your most obedient servant,
GEORGE S. BOUTWELL.

I was in Washington again in the month of May, and I made a third visit
the second day after the first battle of Bull Run. At one of these
visits I met General Hooker, at Mr. Sumner's quarters on F. Street. He
had then recently arrived from California and his appearance indicated
poverty. His dress was worn, and his apparel was that of a decayed man
of the world. He had called upon Senator Sumner to secure his aid in
obtaining the command of a Massachusetts regiment, he being a
Massachusetts man by birth. In the course of the conversation Hooker
said that if he could obtain a regiment, he would come to the command
of the army, and take Richmond. When he came to the command of the
army it seemed possible that his vain boast might be fulfilled in both
particulars. The cause of his failure may be the subject of debate,
but, at Chancellorsville, his orders were not obeyed. It is probable,
however, that Hooker lacked the qualities of a great commander. He
inspired his soldiers with enthusiasm, he was brave, and his heart was
in the cause. With many faults, he was one of the great soldiers of
the war, and with less sensitiveness of spirit he might have been one
of its renowned chieftains.

I have obtained from the War Department copies of two letters that I
wrote to Gen. Cameron, Secretary of War, dated at Havre de Grace,
April 26, 1861. They throw some light on the war movements at that
time.

HAVRE DE GRACE, _April_ 26, 1861.
HON. SIMON CAMERON:

_Sir:_ I have written upon the letter of Governor Andrew which Mr.
Bixby will hand to you.

I cannot too strongly impress upon the Government the importance of
authorizing Governor Andrew to procure three steamers for the
protection of the coast and to aid in a blockade of the southern ports.
The New York merchants are anxious to do the same. I hope you will
grant the order. Governor Andrew will put the work of preparation
into the hands of our best merchants, who will charge no commissions
whatever.

The whole North is wild and determined in its enthusiasm