Ambrose E. Burnside to John G. Parke, December 9, 1862
December 9, 1862—5 a. m.
The three commanders of grand divisions will report at these headquarters at 12 o’clock to-day. In the mean time they will give the necessary orders to enable them to place their commands in position at daybreak on the morning of the 11th instant at such points as may be indicated by verbal instructions from the general commanding, not to exceed 8 miles from their present positions. The officers and men should be provided with three days’ cooked rations. Forty rounds of ammunition must be carried in cartridge-boxes, and 20 rounds in pockets. The ammunition wagons and batteries will be supplied with at least three days’ forage. Definite verbal instructions will be given as to the disposition to be made of the other trains of the command. The chief of artillery will detail such batteries as may be necessary to protect the crossing of the river, and, if the crossing is successful, the batteries will join their proper columns, if necessary. Definite verbal instructions will be given as to the dispositions of the cavalry of the different grand divisions.
By command of Maj. Gen. A. E. Burnside:
Ohief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POoTOMAO,
December 9, 1862—10.15 a. m.
the plan sent you before, in moving General Slocum by way of Centreville instead of Warrenton. I made this change because it seems to be
the shortest way to join the rear of this army, where it will be used for
keeping open communication, and because of the danger of his column