January 25, 1863
On January 25, 1863, the U.S. War Department issued General Order 20, relieving Ambrose E. Burnside as commander of the Army of the Potomac and replacing him with Joseph Hooker.
General Orders No. 20.
Washington, D. C., January 25, 1863.
I. The President of the United States has directed:
1st. That Major General A. E. Burnside, at his own request, be relieved from the command of the Army of the Potomac.
2d. That Major General E. V. Sumner, at his own request, be relieved from duty in the Army of the Potomac.
3d. That Major General W. B. Franklin be relieved from duty in the Army of the Potomac.
4th That Major General J. Hooker be assigned to the command of the Army of the Potomac.
II. The officers relieved as above will report in person to the Adjutant-General of the Army.
By order of the Secretary of War:
E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
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