December 31, 1861 (Monday): Enter Pickett

General George Pickett

HEADQUARTERS BROOKE'S STATION,
December 31, 1861.

Colonel Pickett has managed his command on both sides of the Rappahannock admirably well. He has organized and distributed the small force at this disposal in the most judicious and effective manner, but being junior to all the coloels I had no option but to relive him of a part of his command on the arrival of Colonel Brockenbrough at his present post in the lower Northern Neck, whee the two rivers are close to each other, and the original status would have produced a conflict of authority.
Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant-General.
T. H. HOLMES, 



Major-General, Commanding District.
[Second indorsement.] 

JANUARY 4, 1862.
Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War.
Colonel Pickett has the temporary appointment of colonel for the purpose of commanding on the Rappahannock. As he has been superseded in that command, it is possible he may be usefully employed elsewhere. 


S. COOPER,
Adjutant and Inspector General. 

Series I., Vol 51, Part 2, Page 428.

A lawyer by profession, George Edward Pickett finished 59^th and last in the West Point class of 1846.  The war brought opportunity to make a reputation and Pickett succeeded in doing so, making Brigadier-General and being assigned to the Peninsula within weeks of this letter.  Brooke Station, Holmes Headquarters, was located in Stafford just north of Fredericksburg.  The site of the camp is near where the modern Amtrak Station is located.