Most people know that "hooker" is a slang term for a prostitute or someone who exchanges sex for money. What most people don't know, however, is how the term originated. Admittedly, I was one such person. But I happened to stumble across this tidbit of information last night while reading A. Lincoln: A Biography, by Ronald C. White, Jr.
In January of 1863, Union General Ambrose Burnside was removed as commander of the Army of the Potomac, after serving in the role for just two months. President Lincoln decided to appoint Joseph "Fighing Joe" Hooker as Burnside's replacement. Hooker had been one of Burnside's two senior officers and often criticized Burnside behind his back. Despite Hooker's "loose lips," Lincoln appointed him as the new commander because of his proven courage, his loyalty to the Union, and his popularity among the troops.
Lincoln summoned Hooker to the White House and told him,
I think it best for you to know that 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, and to a most meritorious and honorable brother officer.... Of course it was not for this but in spite of it, that I have given you the command.
Lincoln later recorded all this in Hooker's letter of appointment, which also included words of affirmation and admonition, mingled with humor. Months later, Hooker mentioned the letter to a reporter, saying, "That is just a letter as a father might write to a son. It is a beautiful letter, and although I think he was harder on me than I deserved, I will say I love the man who wrote it."
When Hooker took command of the Army of the Potomac, the troops were already demoralized due to poor health. Hundreds of soldiers were dying for lack of proper medical care in their winter quarters. Furthermore, the majority of them opposed Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which was published the same month that Hooker assumed his role as commander. Biographer White notes, "Desertions numbered two hundred per day." But then White immediately adds,
Ill will turned to good will, however, as Hooker initiated changes. New hospitals were built and older ones revamped. Improved rations, especially vegetables, suddenly appeared. Hooker stated, "My men shall be fed before I am fed, and before any of my officers are fed."
Hooker also instituted badges of different colors that were worn with pride on the caps of the men in each corps. Moreover, he implemented "the orderly observance of the Sabbath," in accordance with the President's directive months earlier.
Without a doubt, Joseph Hooker had some fine qualities that earned the respect of his troops and improved their morale. But, as White points out,
Hooker was still not without his detractors. Women and whiskey have always followed soldiers, but Hooker's headquarters became a gathering place for female camp followers who acquired a name that stuck long after the Civil War--"hookers."
As I read that paragraph just before bed last night, I thought, "Ohhh ... so that's where the term hooker comes from!"
Now every time I hear that word, I'll associate it with "Fighting Joe" Hooker.
The reason I share this piece from American history because Thomas Hooker is long dead, but his name lives on -- not as a Civil War hero, but as a synonym for whore, harlot, or prostitute. Despite his courage, care for his troops, and contributions to the preservation of the Union, Joseph Hooker will be remembered for his loose lips and even more so for his loose morals.
How will people remember me when I'm gone? How will they remember you?
"A good name [earned by honorable behavior, godly wisdom, moral courage, and personal integrity] is more desirable than great riches..." (Prov. 22:1 AMP).