Transcript: George Dyer's Letter on Being a General

Transcribed Copy:

"Talking of military matters, I don't like the way Burnsides begins. He is too modest for a general. A Genl who isn't as vain as a peacock, never was or can be a General. For Why. Because he must think he is the best soldier living, or he won't be worth a straw. If he thinks so, he must Show it. and then he exhibits vanity. Vanity alone wont make a General - example, Genl Webster. Neither will learning, examp. McClellan. Neither will brains. exemp. Frank Blair. Good reasoning faculties, enormous perceptive faculties, the vanity of a pretty girl, and the energy and stoutness of a Stud Horse. these make a Genl. Wherefore I dont believe in B.

Yours truly
Geo. W.D." .