After many frustrations with General George McClellan including his failed Peninsular Campaign and his failure to chase General Lee following the battle at Sharpsburg on September 17, Mr. Lincoln relieved the general of his command. In his General Order #182, the president stated "General McClellan thinks he is going to whip the rebels by strategy, and the army has got the same notion. They have no idea that this war is to be carried on and put through by hard, tough fighting."
With that the president gave the command to Major General Ambrose Burnside. Burnside had been offered the command previously and had turned it down due to his personal friendship and loyalty to General McClellan. This time he declined again until he was told if he didn't accept, General Hooker would become the commanding officer of the Army of the Potomac. That sealed the deal, because General Burnside hated General Hooker.
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