With Malice Toward None

The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition    

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By January 1863, Lincoln had recognized that General Burnside had lost the confidence of the army. Summoning Joseph Hooker to the White House, he named him the new head of the Army of the Potomac. President Lincoln used the opportunity to warn Hooker that his earlier criticism of General Burnside, and the withholding of his support, had undermined the morale of the troops he now commanded. Aware of Hooker’s weaknesses as well as his demonstrated fighting ability, in crafting this letter, Lincoln attempted to counsel his new commander.

(Transcription)

I much fear that the spirit which you have aided to infuse into the Army, of criticizing the Commander, and withholding confidence from him, will now turn upon you.


By January 1863, Lincoln had recognized that General Burnside had lost the confidence of the army. Summoning Joseph Hooker to the White House, he named him the new head of the Army of the Potomac. President Lincoln used the opportunity to warn Hooker that his earlier criticism of General Burnside, and the withholding of his support, had undermined the morale of the troops he now commanded. Aware of Hooker’s weaknesses as well as his demonstrated fighting ability, in crafting this letter, Lincoln attempted to counsel his new commander.