Booker was, and is to this day, most unjustly blamed.

A little reflection on the part of his critics might have tended to tone down their asperity and given him some credit for what he did do, both before and after the unfortunate order was given.

But some person had to take the blame, and Lieut.-Col.

Hooker was made the victim of circumstances.

Here was a volunteer Colonel (who had never previously commanded a brigade) suddenly placed in command of the whole column because he happened to be the senior officer present, and ordered to advance across the path of the enemy to make a junction with Col.