G. S. Hillard, Life and Campaigns of George B. McClellan, Major-General , U. S. Army

“ [329] it was in such excellent condition to light a great battle.” Of the Confederate army, Longstreet's corps was in front at Culpepper, and the remaining portion was west of the Blue Ridge, near Chester's and Thornton's Gaps. General McClellan's plan was to separate the two wings of the enemy's forces, and either beat Longstreet separately, or force him to fall back at least upon Gordonsville so as to effect his junction with the rest of the army. In the event of a battle he felt confident of a brilliant victory. Late on the evening of. the 7th, the following orders were delivered to him by General Buckingham:--

Headquarters of the army, Washington, D. C., November 5, 1862.

General:--On the receipt of the order of — the President sent herewith, you will immediately turn over your command to Major-General Burnside, and repair to Trenton, N. J., reporting on your arrival at that place by telegraph for further orders.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief. Major-General McClellan.

General orders no. 182.

War Department, Adjutant-General's office, Washington, November 5, 1862.

By direction of the President of the United States, it is ordered that Major-General McClellan be relieved from the command of the Army of the Potomac, and that Major-General Burnside take the command of that army.

By order of the Secretary of War:

E. D. Townsend, Adjutant-General.