There  must  be  some  latitude  allowed  to  subordinates,  but  tliere
are  very  few  men  who,  without  particular  instructions,  can
enter  fully  into  the  plans  and  intentions  of  tlie  conunander-
in-diief.  Franklin  was  constitutionally  sluggish  in  his  move-
ments. Tlio  attack  on  the  left  required  boldness,  energy,  and
perseverance.  Sumner  was  tlie  man  for  the  place.  Bumside
was  peculiarly  unfortunate  in  the  selecdon  of  commanders  to
carry  out  the  particular  features  of  his  plan ;  but  Sumner  liaF-
ing  been  first  to  arrive  at  Falmouth,  and  liaving  taken  position,
it  was  not  easy  to  make  the  change.
While  the  battle  was  raging  on  the  left  I  rode  over  the  plain.
*  Testimony  of  Meads  and  other  offiooni,  Conduct  of  the  War.
