This was a position that was by no means coveted by General Burnside. He well knew the difficulties and responsibilities of the office, and expressed his misgivings of his ability to perform its duties. But he was a brave and gallant soldier, and had already won the confidence of the Government, and the admiration of his companions in-arms. It was only after mature deliberation, and the consultation and advice of the principal corps commanders that he consented to take upon himself the chief command. In this determination he recognized the soldier’s duty of obedience as a paramount consideration. On the 12th the general-in-chief, (Halleck) and General Meigs proceeded from Washington to the headquarters to confer with General Burnside. On the same day the advance of the army was across the Rappahannock and fifteen miles south of Warrenton. On the 14th General Burnside issued the following order reorganizing a portion of army: HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, } WARRENTON, VA., _Nov. 14, 1862_. } _General Order, No. 184._ First. The organization of a part of this array in three grand divisions is hereby announced. These grand divisions will be formed and commanded as follows: The Second and Ninth Corps will form the right grand division, and will be commanded by Major-General E. V. Sumner. The First and Sixth Corps will form the left grand division, and will be commanded by Major-General W. B. Franklin. The Third and Fifth Corps will form the centre grand division, and will be commanded by Major-General Joseph Hooker. The Eleventh Corps, with such others as may hereby be assigned to it, will constitute a reserve force, under the command of Major-General F. Sigel. Assignments of cavalry and further details will be announced in future orders. By command of Major-General BURNSIDE. S. WILLIAMS, A. A.-G. Meanwhile the mass of General Lee’s forces retired to Gordonsville. On the 16th the forces of General Burnside began to move for Fredericksburg, as had been previously determined in consultation on the 12th between Generals Halleck and Burnside. On the 15th the evacuation of Warrenton and the adjacent places was commenced, and by the morning of the 18th it was entirely completed. The advance was led by General Sumner. At the same time supplies were sent to Acquia Creek, and the repairs of the railroad track to Fredericksburg commenced, and the army concentrated at Falmouth, opposite Fredericksburg.