Ambrose E. Burnside to George W. Morell, December 9, 1862

December 9, 1862-—3 a. m. Maj. Gen. GEORGE W. MORELL, You will at once take steps to relieve the entire corps of General Slocum from duty on the Upper Potomac, with the exception of the detachments manning the permanent guns at Harper’s Ferry. Accompanying this is a dispatch to General Slocum, giving the details of the change. It may be well to place General Kenly at Harper’s Ferry, and to throw General Milroy or General Kelley at Martinsburg or fartherdown. Your definite instructions as to the latter movement will be given after I have communicated more fully with the General-in-Chief. It is desirable that General Slocum should move at once, reaching * Killed. Hillsborough, if possible, to-night. You will please send a small force of your cavalry with him as far as Leesburg, to look after his trains, and to remain at that place for a day or two after his rear has passed.

A. E. BURNSIDE,