Page "Battle of Fredericksburg" Paragraph 4

McClellan's replacement was Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside, the commander of the IX Corps.

Burnside had established a reputation as an independent commander, with successful operations earlier that year in coastal North Carolina and, unlike McClellan, had no apparent political ambitions.

However, he felt himself unqualified for army-level command and objected when offered the position.

He accepted only when it was made clear to him that McClellan would be replaced in any event and that an alternative choice for command was Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker, whom Burnside disliked and distrusted.

Burnside assumed command on November 7.