CHAPTER V.

FIGHTING JOE HOOKER.

General Hooker a Cosmopolitan.--Naturally "a Fighting General." --Career in Mexico.--Difficulties in obtaining a Command.--His inspiring Presence.--Critical Account of his "Battle above the Clouds."--He manufactures the Clouds in order to fight above them. --His Weakness consists in his Disposition to criticise every thing. --His Candor.--Opinion of McClellan.--"The young Napoleon conducting War in order to get into the best Society."--Hooker's Vanity and Valor.--How he obtained a Command.--Sharp Criticisms in official Reports.--Hooker's Criticism on Sherman.--His untiring Energy.--The Title of Fighting Joe offensive to him.--How it was obtained. --Personal Description and Habits 165