Assignment and Promotion

Commanders and Men,

I have the honor to report that Major General Edward Kelley has been recommended for and has accepted the promotion to Left Wing Commander of the First Federal Div., Army of Potomac to be effective immediately. During the last several campaign seasons commanding Birney's Division he has shown himself a very capable and gallant officer. He is a man of correct habits, great energy, an indomitable will and is a gentleman in his interaction with both subordinates and superiors.

This promotion will not take our beloved General Kelley from us but enhances our position in the Army as Birney's Div. is herewith assigned to Second Brigade, First Division, Third Corps, Army of the Potomac under direct command of General Kelley. The command structure (Birney's Division) as it is at present will not be changing in the main, General Kelley remains in command of Birney's Division and is a case where he assumes this additional duty when the Army is assembled en masse; we remain under his direct command.

Birney's Division, under General Kelley's strong, no nonsense leadership, has grown into a formidable force as a legitimate nationally recognized organization. We take great pride in assuming our rightful place as a powerhouse in the Army of Potomac and gratefully acknowledge and thank each and every one of you for your faithfulness and continued support and look ahead to very exciting times indeed!

It is my earnest hope that all of you will join me and the Staff in heartily congratulating General Kelley in this promotion; well earned and well deserved.

Very respectfully,

Dennis Rohrbaugh,
Colonel/Chief of Staff