GDG- JEB Stuart - Hooker at Gettysburg

[John Baniszewski]

I have no doubt that Hooker would not have done better than Meade, because Hooker had lost the confidence of his subordinates.  During the months of May and June, there was a parade of Corp commanders visiting Halleck and Meade, recommending Hooker's removal.  Meade was not among the parade, but his letters to his wife make it clear Meade had also lost confidence.  When most of the members of a team lose confidence in the team leader, the team seldom performs well.  

Meade, on the other hand, was much respected by the Corp commanders (except for Dan the Man).  Howard expressed that feeling to Lincoln on July 18.  He told Lincoln - – “The successful issue of the battle of Gettysburg was due mainly to the energetic operations of our present commanding General prior to the engagement and to the manner in which he handled his troops on the field. The reserves have never before during the war been thrown in at just the right moment. . . . Moreover I have never seen a more hearty co-operation on the part of General officers as since General Meade took the command".  

Lee made the observation in his resignation request that "No matter what may be the ability of the officer, if he loses the confidence of his troops disaster must sooner or later ensue".    In June of 1863, Hooker had totally lost the confidence of most of his Corp commanders.  I think disaster would have ensued.

John Baniszewski


       
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