I subsequently determined the wording was not "the General" but was instead "the Federals" (look below and see if you agree), but....

I had looked at Cooper and found that he was officially appointed in June or July 1863 (can't remember now) and it was retroactive to May 2nd so I decided that he wasn't the 'the General'.

HOWEVER your pugnacious post ;-) got me to looking and thinking about it and many persons referred to Cooper as General Cooper or Brig Gen Cooper long before his appointment was official. He held the position of brigadier without the official rank for quite a while.

So, as much as it pains me to say it, you are right that a reference to 'the General' on June 8, 1863 or even long before could be a reference to Brig Gen DH Cooper.

Hope to get down your way soon!

Ken