This kind of rash, precipitate action was what his reputation suggested, but Hooker proved to be—like General McClellan—an excellent organizer of men and materiel. Rather than taking rash action, Hooker showed great foresight in drilling and reorganizing the Army of the Potomac, the morale of which rapidly improved.

Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia were, meanwhile, very much on the defensive. Their numbers had not recovered since the Battle of Antietam, and given the rickety Confederate supply system, it was all they could do to maintain their position. There was no question of Lee going after “Fighting Joe” Hooker: he had to remain where he was.