Head Quarters Army of N^oV^a

12^th December 1864

General Orders N^o 71

                                    the General Commanding has heard with pain and mortification that outrages and depredations, amounting in some cases to flagrant robbery, have been perpetrated upon citizens living within the lines, and near the camps of the army. Poor and helpless persons have been stripped of the means of subsistence and suffered violence by the hands of those upon whom they had a right to rely for protection. In one instance an atrocious murder was perpetrated upon a child by a band of ruffians whose supposed object was plunder. The General Commanding is well aware that the great body of the army which so unselfishly devotes itself to the defence of the country, regards these crimes with abhorance, and that they are committed by a few miscreants unworthy of the name of soldiers. But he feels that we cannot escape the disgrace that attends these evil doers, except by the most strenuous exertions on our part to restrain their wickedness and bring upon them the just punishment of their offences.

 

This can only be done accomplished by the united efforts of those good and true men who are no less desirous of being esteemed for virtue by their countrymen, than of being respected for courage by their enemies. Laws and orders will prove ineffective unless sustained by the hearty co-operation of those who feel that the existence of the evil is a reproach to themselves. The aid of all such is earnestly and confidently invoked to remove this stain from the fair name of the Army. Let each man / guard its honor as zealously as his own, regarding those who bring reproach upon it, as enemies of his own reputation, and remembering that to withhold information that might lead to the detection of those criminals, is to become morally a participant of their guilt.

 

The attention of Officers is particularly directed to this subject. Their responsibilities is greatest, for upon their care and vigilance necessarily depend in a great degree, the prevention and detection of unlawful acts by these men.

 

            Those Commanding regiments, Companies or in charge of camps, hospitals, or detachments, will be required to account for all who fail to attend the roll calls under existing orders, or for such of their officers and men as may be arrested, absent from their commands without proper authority by the guards and pickets of the army

 

            Corps Commanders will habitually keep out patrols to arrest all who are improperly absent and to protect the persons and property of those residing in the vicinity of their commands. When arrested the parties themselves, and the officers responsible for their conduct will be brought to trial without delay

                                                                                   

By Command of Genl Lee

(Signed)          W H Taylor   A.A.G.

 

Maj Genl J. B. Kershaw                                                                               

            Comd^g Divⁿ

 

Official

            OLatrobe

                        AAG

[endorsement, top front margin]

 

H^dQu Army NoVa

December 12 1864

 

G. O. No. 71

 

In regard to depredations

committed by the Army

SOURCES