[Signed] A. E. BURNSIDE,
Major-General Commanding.
This was a position that was by no means coveted by General Burnside. He well knew the difficulties and responsibilities of the office, and expressed his misgivings of his ability to perform its duties. But he was a brave and gallant soldier, and had already won the confidence of the Government, and the admiration of his companions in-arms. It was only after mature deliberation, and the consultation and advice of the principal corps commanders that he consented to take upon himself the chief command. In this determination he recognized the soldier’s duty of obedience as a paramount consideration.
On the 12th the general-in-chief, (Halleck) and General Meigs proceeded from Washington to the headquarters to confer with General Burnside. On the same day the advance of the army was across the Rappahannock and fifteen miles south of Warrenton. On the 14th General Burnside issued the following order reorganizing a portion of army:
Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, }
Warrenton, Va., Nov. 14, 1862. }
General Order, No. 184.
First. The organization of a part of this array in three grand divisions is hereby announced. These grand divisions will be formed and commanded as follows:
The Second and Ninth Corps will form the right grand division, and will be commanded by Major-General E. V. Sumner.
The First and Sixth Corps will form the left grand division, and will be commanded by Major-General W. B. Franklin.