Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1863-07-02
FROM THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY THE POTOMAC,
Sunday, June 2o 1863.
This morning Col Harde arrived here by special train
from Washington, bearer of dispatches relieving Gen.
Hooker from the command of the Army of the Potomac,
and appointing Major Geseral Meade, commanding the
the orders at headquarters Gen. Hooker issued the fol-
lowing farewell address:
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Frederick, Md. June Dc, 1868.
In conformity with the orders of the War Department
dated June 81 1868 renqush the command of the Army
Of the Potomac 1t is transferred to Major Gen. George
G. Meade, brave and accomplished officer, who has noby
earned the confidence and esteem OF the army many
well fought field Impressed with the belief that my
uness the commander of the Army of the Potomac is
impaired part from it, yet not without the deepest emo
ton The of parting with the comrades OF many
battles is relieved by the conviction that the courage and
devotion of this army will nor fail; that it
will yield to my successor it has to me, willing and
hearty support With the earnest prayer that the triumph
of its may bring worthy of it and the ma
tion / bid it farewell.
JOSEPH HOOKER, Major General
This order followed by the suboned address from
Gen. Meade:
Headquarters ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
June %, 1868
By direction of the President of the United States
hereby assume command of the Army of the Potomac
As soldier in obeyng this order, order totally
pected and unsolicited, have promises pledges to
make The country looks to this army to relieve it from
the devastation and disgrace of hostile invasion What
fatgues and sacrifices may be called upon to
dego let have in view constantly the magnitude OF the
interests involved and let each determine to do his
duty leaving to al-controng Providence the decision
of the contest 1t is with just ddence that relieve in
the command of this army, eminent and accomplished
soldier whose name must ever appear conspicuous in the
history Of its achievements but rely upon the hearty
support of my companions to assist in the dis
charge Of the duties of the important trust which has been
conhded TO me. GEORGE G. MEADE,
Major General Commanding.
L.
this announcement The first of the change
scarcely credited and it not until the appearance of
the farewell address of Gen. Hooker that the report
generally believed The for the change of com
manders are yet unknown but it is believed and indeed
indicated in the brief remarks Of Gen. Hooker to his staff
that he had applied to Gen Hsleck to be relieved of the
command.
The report Of the change extended to the several
corps and their commanders fastened to bid farewell to the
General BY three O'Clock large number Of officers had
assembled, and after Gen. Hooker appeared in the
before his tent Some time spent in social in
tercourse and to the last all ormalties dispensed
with The parting painful to every one, particularly
to those who had become endeared to the General by old
associations: Gen. Hooker deeply grieved He had
been identified with the Army of the Potomac, he said,
since its organization and had hoped to continue with it
to the end 1t the best army Of the country, worthy
OF the commence OF the natOn ana cOud not IAN OF sue
in the approaching struggle. lie spoke of bis sue
glorious soldier and urged all to give him their
earnest support
Gen. Hooker leaves tomorrow for Baltimore, to which
place he has been ordered to report Hi, personal staff
including Gen. Buttcrfeld, will accompany him. The
officers of the several departments at headquarters will
doubtless remain
Gen. Meade totally surprised by the order appoint
ing him commander Of the Army Of the Potomac and
deeply felt the weight Of responsibility resting upon him.
His appointment gives universal satisfaction, and all ex-
press determination to extend their heartest coopera-
| ton.
Affairs on the Upper Potomac reported quiet. The
enemy has but small force south Of Hagerstown and
forces remain in the undturbed possession Of South
Mountain.