May 9, 1863, The New York Herald
The President and General-in-Chief in Consultation with General Hooker.
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF MR. G.H. OSBORNE.
FALMOUTH, Va., May 7, 1863.
At about ten o’clock this morning a special train, consisting of a locomotive and a single box car, arrived from Aquia creek, bringing to the station two distinguished visitors. President Lincoln and Major General Halleck were the solo occupants of the car, having left Washington at a very early hour this morning by steamer, and riding through Aquia creek upon a couple of camp stools.
Immediately upon their arrival the President and the General-in-Chief were conducted to a carriage which had been for some time in waiting, and with a solitary cavalryman on either side of the vehicle were escorted to the headquarters of Major General Hooker. No demonstration was made by the few groups of officers and soldiers who were lounging about the depot, save an occasional touch of the vizor by those who recognized in the tall, stooping form and thin, careworn features the presence of the Commander-in-Chief of the army and navy of the United States. His coming, although known at headquarters, seemed to take everybody at the station by surprise.
After reaching the old headquarters camp, the President and General Halleck at once repaired to General Hooker’s tent, and entered into a conference, it is supposed, upon the result and the impending movements of the Army of the Potomac. They are now together, in deep consultation.
The President’s countenance seemed to bear traces of pure disappointment. His appearance was in every way that of an overtasked and overworked man. General Halleck, on the other hand, seemed, to a casual observer like myself, to be in the best of health and spirits.