Joseph Hooker to LEwis Richmond, December 14, 1862

Col. LEwis Richmond, Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac:

COLONEL: I desire to call the attention of the major-general commanding the Army of the Potomac to the great number of troops and batteries in this city, and to the danger to which they are exposed.

Should the enemy be disposed to shell it, the consequences of this would necessarily cause loss of life and destruction of property. I respectfully suggest that all the troops be transferred to the opposite side of the river, except two divisions, that number being all that will be required to hold the city. The troops will be much more comfortable and much less likely to demoralizing influences in their camps than here. I also recommend that instructions be given the provost-marshal-general to have every house in town searched, and all soldiers found in them sent to their regiments.

I make these suggestions on the presumption that no immediate advance is contemplated from this point.

Everything is quiet here to-night.

My headquarters are at the corner of Hanover and Princess Anne streets.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,