Major-General Burnside, January 20, 1863
No. 7. Camp near Falmouth, Va., January 20, 1863.
The commanding general announces to the Army of the Potomac that they are about to meet the enemy once more.
The late brilliant actions in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Arkansas have divided and weakened the enemy on the Rappahannock, and the auspicious moment seems to have arrived to strike a great and mortal blow to the rebellion, and to gain that decisive victory which is due to the country.
Let the gallant soldiers of so many brilliant battle-fields accomplish this achievement, and a fame the most glorious awaits them.
The commanding general calls for the firm and united action of officers and men, and, under the providence of God, the Army of the Potomac will have taken a great step toward restoring peace to the country and the Government to its rightful authority.
By command of Major-General Burnside:
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Statement of Oapt. P. M. Iydig, Aide-de-Oamp.
CINCINNATI, On10, March 31, 1863.
Burnside to go to General Franklin, commanding the left grand division,
and learn from him the disposition of the troops under his command, and
what forces were then engaged.