To the Editor:

President Abraham Lincoln was recently used for comparisons, so here are excerpts of his letter (reflecting values of honor and duty) to a newly appointed General Hooker:

I have placed you at the head of the Army of the Potomac... I think it is best for you to know there are some things in regard to which, I am not quite satisfied with you... I think that during Gen Burnside’s command of the Army, you have taken counsel of your ambition, and thwarted him as much as you could, in which you did a great wrong to the country... of course, it was not for this, but in spite of it, that I have given you the command. I much fear that the spirit which you have aided to infuse into the Army of criticising (sic) their commander, and withholding confidence from him, will now turn upon you... and now, beware of rashness...

Lee Berliner

28 Lyrical Lane, Sandy Hook February 19, 2021