[Indorsement.]

Brigadier-General STAHEL, or

ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL:

The above dispatch was received at these headquarters at 2.30 a. m. It was brought by 6 cavalrymen, who also brought in 2 prisoners--1 major and a colored guide. They left Ashby's Gap at 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon, and came here under difficulties. Please send the above dispatch to Major-General Sigel immediately, as the most direct communication.

By order of Brigadier General C Schurz, commanding division:

E. F. HOFFMAN,

Major and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, November 5, 1862.

By direction of the President, it is ordered that Major-General McClellan be relieved from the command of the Army of the Potomac, and that Major-General Burnside take the command of that army. Also which is now commanded by General Burnside.* That Major-General Fitz John Porter be relieved from the command of the corps he now commands in said army, and that Major-General Hooker take command of said corps.

The General-in-Chief is authorized, in [his] discretion, to issue an order substantially as the above, forthwith, or so soon as he may deem proper.

A. LINCOLN.

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, November 5, 1862.

Major-General McCLELLAN,
Commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: On receipt of the order of the President, sent herewith, you will immediately turn over your command to Major-General Burnside, and repair to Trenton, N. J., reporting, on your arrival at that place, by telegraph, for further orders.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

[Inclosure.]

GENERAL ORDERS,
WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJT. General 'S OFFICE,

No. 182.
Washington, November 5, 1862.

By direction of the President of the United States, it is ordered that Major-General McClellan be relieved from the command of the Army of the Potomac, and that Major-General Burnside take the command of that army.

By order of the Secretary of War:

E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

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*Hunter did not take command of the Ninth Army Corps, but no revocation of the order is of record.

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35 R R--VOL XIX, PT II