NEWS OF 150 YEARS AGO
January and February 1863
From The Missouri Democrat, Tuesday, January 27, 1863.
BY TELEGRAPH
REGULAR AFTERNOON DISPATCHES.
Burnside Has Resigned.
Hooker Appointed in His Place.
BALTIMORE, January 26. – The Washington National Intelligencer is just received. It states that Burnside has resigned the command of the Army of the Potomac, and Hooker has been appointed in his place.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, January 26. – This morning Burnside turned over the command of the army to Gen. Hooker.
As soon as the change was known, the principal officers waited on Burnside and took leave of him with regret.
Burnside issued a parting address to the army.
BURNSIDE’S ADDRESS TO THE ARMY.
Gens. Franklin and Sumner Relieved from Command.
WASHINGTON, January 26. – The following is the address of General Burnside to the army:
HEADQUARTERS, CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH,
January 26.
General Order No. 9.]
By direction of the President of the United States, the Commanding General this day transfers the command of this army to Major-General Joseph Hooker.
During the short time he has directed, your movements have not been fruitful of victory nor any considerable advancement of our line, but it has again demonstrated an amount of courage, patience and endurance, that under more favorable circumstances, would have accomplished great results.
Continue to exercise these virtues. Be true to your devotion to your country and the principles you have sworn to maintain. Give to the brave and skillful general, who has long been identified with your organization, and who is now to command you, your full and cordial support and co-operation, and you will deserve successes.
Your General, in taking an affectionate leave of the army with which he separates with so much regret, may be pardoned bids and especial farewell to his long and tried associates of the 9th Army Corps. His prayer is that God may be with you and grant you continued success until the rebellion is crushed.
By command of Major-General Burnside.
LEWIS RICHMOND, A. A. G.
It is understood Major General Franklin and Major General Sumner had been relieved from their commands of the right and left grand divisions of the Army of the Potomac, but the names of their successors have not yet been divulged, nor is it known who has been appointed to take the place of Gen. Hooker.
Gen. Burnside, with most of his late staff, have been allowed thirty days leave of absence.
The weather is warm and pleasant, and the wind is fast drying up the earth.