Army of the Potomac

Major General George B. McClellan

On March 3, 1862, President Lincoln established the first five army corps in the Army of the Potomac and appointed their commanders over the protests of General McClellan, who wanted to delay until he had judged his division commanders in battle.

Headquarters

First Army Corps

Major General Irvin McDowell

created March 3

First Division

Brigadier General Willliam B. Franklin

Second Division

Brigadier General George A. McCall

Third Division

Brigadier General Rufus King

Second Army Corps

Major General Edwin V. Sumner

created March 3

First Division

Brigadier General Israel B. Richardson

Second Division

Brigadier General John Sedgwick

Blenker's Division

Brigadier General Louis Blenker

transferred to Dept. Mountains 3/31

Third Army Corps

Major General Samuel P. Heintzelman

created March 3

First Division

Brigadier General Fitz John Porter

Second Division

Brigadier General John Hooker

Third Division

Brigadier General C. S. Hamilton

Fourth Army Corps

Brigadier General Erasmus Keyes

created March 3

First Division

Brigadier General Darius N. Couch

Second Division

Brigadier General William F. Smith

Third Division

Brigadier General Silas Casey

Fifth Army Corps

Major General Nathaniel P. Banks

created March 3

First Division

Brigadier General Alpheus S. Williams

Second Division

Brigadier General John Shields

Cavalry Command

Brigadier General John P. Hatch

Cavalry Reserve

Brigadier General Philip St. George Cooke

First Brigade

Colonel William H. Emory

Second Brigade

Colonel George A. H. Blake