1. 2. Orville Velora BRAINERD   b. 4 Jan 1807, Watertown, Canadaqua, New York; d. 17 Jan 1866, Watertown, Jefferson, New York.
2. 3. Daniel Egbert BRAINERD   b. 16 Feb 1809, Watertown, Jefferson, New York; d. 4 Dec 1892, .

Dr Brainard:
Herewith I enclose you my commission of Brigadier General which I desire you file away with the others. I do not know whether you have written me or not lately for I have really been so busy with my brigade that I have not been able to go into town. If I can find time I shall try to get to the city today when I shall hope to hear from you. I am in camp about six miles from the city on the Bladensburg road & pretty near the old battle ground of that name ? a name which Americans do not care to remember. I have now the full machinery of my command in motion with the exception of my staff. These I shall appoint as soon as I can determine on the proper persons to hold the positions. I have done nothing in regard to Orville. I shall not until after I learn his wishes - It is my wish that he should join me but in matters of this kind I do not feel disposed to advise you. It is for you and Mary to determine.
I have four good regiments tho they require discipline & instruction before I can place much reliance on them under fire. I have the 1st and 11th Regt from Mass, the 2d N Hampshire & the 26th Penn. ? & not the N.Y. Regts as was at first contemplated. I am now endeavoring to make good use of the time in preparation.
It is with deep regret that I learn of Lyons death ? for with the exception of McClelan he is the only officer who has done anything worthy of mention from the [beginning] of the rebellion. I suppose you remember him. He made some of the elements required for a popular and successful commander. Stupendous preparations are now making in the vicinity for another advance. I do trust & believe that something will come from it besides disaster. No movement however will be likely to be made inside of from four to six weeks.
Give my best love to all. I write in haste as you will conclude when I tell you that I have almost four thousand men to look after without a single staff officer. Will write you as often as I can.
Yrs truly,
Jos. Hooker

1. 4. Orville Hungerford BRAINERD   b. 2 Nov 1838.

The recipient has been identified as Orville Velora Brainard, husband of General Hooker?s sister, Mary Seymour Hooker (b. 28 Nov 1808). Apparently Hooker wanted his nephew Orville to serve on his staff. Orville Hungerford Brainard (b. 2 Nov 1838) was eventually appointed 2nd Lieutenant in the 94th New York in March 1862, but he declined the commission.