General Orders, Army of the Potomac, No. 1, January 26, 1863

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GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,

Numbers 1.

Camp near Falmouth, Va., January 26, 1863.

By direction of the President of the United States, the undersigned assumes command of the Army of the Potomac. he enters upon the discharge of the duties imposed by this trust with a just appreciation of their responsibility. Since the formation of this army he has been identified with its history. He has shared with you its glories and reverses with no other desire than that these relations might remain unchanged until its destiny should be accomplished. In the record of your achievements there is much to be proud of, and, with the blessing of God, we will contribute something to the renown of our arms and the success of our cause. To secure the ends, your commander will require the cheerful and zealous co-operation of every officer and soldier in this army.

In equipment, intelligence, and valor the enemy is our inferior; let us never hesitate to give him battle wherever we can find him.

The undersigned only gives expression to the feelings of this army when he conveys to our late commander, Major-General Burnside, the most cordial good wishes for his future.

My staff will be announced as soon as organized.

JOSEPH HOOKER,

Major-General, Commanding Army of the Potomac.

Source: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series 1, Vol 25, Part 2 (Chancellorsville), Chapter XXXVII, Page 5. This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published before January 1, 1923.