Ambrose E. Burnside to H. W. SLooum, December 9, 1862

December 9, 1862—3 a. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. SLooum, Oommanding Oorps, Harper’s Ferry: You will move your corps at once to this place, by way of the pontoon bridge over the Shenandoah, through Hillsborough, Wheatland, Leesburg, Centreville, Wolf Run Shoals, and Dumfries. It would appear that the best road between Leesburg and Centreville is by way of Gum Spring. Upon arriving at Centreville, you will report by an aide-decamp to General Sigel, who will be at or in the neighborhood of Wolf Run Shoals crossing of the Occoquan, under whose command you will remain, forming part of the grand reserve division of this army. The route ordered for you from Centreville or Wolf Run Shoals may be changed by General Sigel, in accordance with directions from these headquarters. General Morell has been ordered to replace the garrison at: Harper’s Ferry, and it is hoped you will be able to reach Hillsborough to-night, and Leesburg to-morrow night, and the neighborhood of Gum Spring on Oaar, XXXiI1) BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, VA. the nightofthellth. You shouldcarry from five to six days’ of bread and small rations in your wagons, driving a good supply of beef cattle, and carrying three days’ rations in haversacks. Should any small portion of your command be detached from you, you will nevertheless commence the movement at once, and order it to follow you. It does not seem necessary that the garrison which is to replace you at Harpers Ferry should arrive there before your departure, as there is no enemy near that place. The detachments manning the permanent batteries must not be disturbed. Please acknowledge the receipt of this.

A. E. BURNSIDE,