In spite of this defect he was a most valuable officer and deserves a high place in the annals of his country.
General Burnside was an officer who was generally liked and respected.
He was not, however, fitted to command an army.

No one knew this better than himself.

He always admitted his blunders, and extenuated those of officers under him beyond what they were entitled to.

It was hardly his fault that he was ever assigned to a separate command.
Of Hooker I saw but little during the war.

I had known him very well before, however.