If captured, he would be no ordinary prisoner.

He represented all there was of that hostility to the government which had caused four years of the bloodiest war--and the most costly in other respects of which history makes any record.

Every one supposed he would be tried for treason if captured, and that he would be executed.

Had he succeeded in making his escape in any disguise it would have been adjudged a good thing afterwards by his admirers.
As my official letters on file in the War Department, as well as my remarks in this book, reflect upon General Thomas by dwelling somewhat upon his tardiness, it is due to myself, as well as to him, that I give my estimate of him as a soldier.

The same remark will apply also in the case of General Canby.