November 5, 1862
On November 5, 1862, the U.S. War Department issued General Orders, No. 182, replacing Major General George B. McClellan with Major General Ambrose E. Burnside as commander of the Army of the Potomac.
General Orders, No. 182.
War Dep't, 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 command of that Army.
By Order of the Secretary of War:
E.D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant General
