Duke University Libraries Official orders Conf Pam 12mo #104 DTT13T5531 OrFICIAL ORDERS. JANUARY 1ST, 1865. The following orders are rfe-publislied for tlio information and guid- ance of this command. Ee placed near 3 the base of tills where tliej will be obscured, and any person approach- ing will be more readily seen against the sky. VIII. Pickets and Grand G-iiards will choose favorable positions for defence, such as near houses, barnes, fences, stonewalls, &c. Every Vidette, Picket, and Grand Guard will, immediately on taking post, fortify their positions by building barricades across the road, or by felling' trees in their front. IX. Great care will be taken by Ofiicers commanding Outposts to s«e that all Videttes, Pickets and Grand Guards have an unobstructed and well understood line of retreat to the main body of the command. X. Videttes will under no circumstances allow citizens to pass thdir lines unless they have important information regarding the enemy, and then only by permission of the Officer commanding the Outpost. Citi- zens will under no circumstances be allowed to enter the lines, and then return ; thus enabling them to inform tlie enemy of the arrange- ment and location of Outposts. XI. In case of an attack upon the Videttes the commanding OiBcer of the Grand Guard will immediately dispatch a courier to notify the commanding officer of the main body of the command. He will also send other couriers to notify the Grand Guard on his flanks. XII. Videttes will reserve their fire until the enemy has approached sufficiently near to enable them to discharge their fire-arms with proba- ble effect, but it is their duty to notify the eommaudiug officer of the Grand Guard of the first indications of their approach. XIII. The Videttes and Pickets having been driven back upon the Grand Guard, the commanding officer finding his position no longer ten- able, may fall back slowly upon the main body of the command on being assured that it is ready for action. XIV. Any officer, non-commissioned officer or soldier on duty at any Grand Guard, Picket or Vidette, wh© shall abandon his post unless driven therefrom by the enemy, will be immediately arrested and charges pre- ferred against him for cowardice. XV. Regimental commanders will keep guards around their camps. XVI. Should the enemy succeed, through the neglect of any Out- post, in attacking the camp of any regiment the commanding officer, un- less otherwise ordered, will promptly form his command on foot and re- pulse tlie enemy at all hazards. The adjacent commanders will imme- diately saddle and charge in to aid in repulsing the attack. To enable tlie men to accomplish thi^ without confusion, commanding officers will see that they sleep upon tlieir arras Avith their accoutrements in their reach. XVII. When any Patrol or detachment of any kind approaches tho main body of the command whether in camp, on the march, or while engaging the enemy, they will send forward a trooper to give notification of their approach, in order that no doubt may arise as to whether they are friends or enemies. XVIII. When Cavalry is Picketing in front of the main army with strong Infancy supports. Division commanders may, when in their opin- ion it can be flone Avith safety, dispense with the line of Pickets and throw out their Videttes directly from th(f Grand Guard. When this is dose redoubled vigilance must be exacted by the Officer commanding the Grand Guard. XIX. All Officers, JSTon- Commissioned Officers and Privates will be required to commit to memory this order and so much of the Army Reg- ulations as refers to the general duties of Guards and Outposts. By order of. D. G. REED, A. A. Gen'l. r-N 1^ r% rfc o /I JUNE 3rd, 186S. OElVKilAlL. Ortr)EJK, NO. '7. I. The earnest attention of all Cavalry is called to the importance of their ohserving the utmost accuracj in their reports of the movements and strength of the enemy. This is particularly necessary preeeeding or during a general engagement. II. The commanding Geaeral of this Army relies solely upon infor- mation received from Cavalry, to make liis dispositions, and iDaccura- cics in their reports may entail great disasters. III. During an advance of the enemy he must at favorable points be held with sufficient firmness to develope his probable strength. Prison- ers should be questioned closely, reliable men be sent to elevated points, where his force can be viewed. Men acquainted with the country should be sent to hover on his flanks, and watch his camps at night, and all means possible adopted to insure beyond doubt accurate information re- garding him. IV. After having ascertained and reported fully regarding the ene- my. Cavalry Officers will continue their exertions, in order to confirm the accuracy of their information, and learn at the earliest moment any changes he may make. V. In making reports, great care should be taken to distinguish be- tween rumors and facts, and in stating rumors the authority, of the ru- mor should be given. * VI. Officers who hold the enemy in observation during his advance, will report at least once every twenty minutes, in order that the Com- manding General may be frequently re-assured that the dispositions lie is making are correct. VII. Scouts and Cavalry detached in rear of the enemy will, at all times, use every exertion to learn the enemy's position and movements. Scouts will use untiring efforts to learn the names of commanding offi- cers of the enemy's forces, particularly Corps and Division commanders, aH of which will be reported promptly to proper authorities. In dating their dispatches the hour as well as the day will be invariably stated. Officers are reminded that what may appear to them of little impor- tance is frequently of great value to the Commanding General, as the mest trifling circumstances, when coanected Avith other knowledge in his possession, very often developes the chief purpose of the enemy. To conclude; Cavalry Officers and,Soldiers must always remember that t-hey are the eyes and eao's of the General commanding, and without fre- quent and correct intimations from them regarding the enemy, his dis- positions must be faulty and his success by no means certain. By order of D.G. REED, A. A. Gen. f HEADQUARTERS l^IIEELER'S CAVALRY CORPS, JUNE 9TH, 1863. I. Officers are reminded of the necessity of never sending men on de- tached service, or of permitting them to leave cUmp without furnishing them with written permission approved by competent authority, as un- der existing orders all Cavalry soldiers fotmd absent from their commands without proper authority will be arrested and transferred to Infantry. ^ II. Division and Brigade commanders will frequently send patrols to scour the country for several miks around their camps, with instructions to arrest and bring into camp ail men found absent without proper au- thority. III. All men absent from their commands without leave for a longer period than seven days, will be dropped from the roll as deserter? and invariably advertised in the papers which have the largest circulation nearest their homes. In case the residence of the deserter is within the enemy's lines or in places very remote, they will be advertised in papers which have the largest circulation in the Array. IV. In all cases a reward of thirty "dollars will be offered for their apprehension and return to their commands. By order of 3J:aa. Gl-eii. ^VV^HEEiLElIi. D. G. REED, A. A. Gen. HEADQUARTERS, WHEELER'S CAVALRY CORFS, JULY 18th, 1863. I. The attention of Cavalry commanders is again called to the im- portance of causing the horses of their command to be well and tho- roughly groomed. The present unserviceable condition of so many horses' is attributahle in a greater degree, to neglect of duty in this re- spect, than to any deficiency in the supply of forage. II. To insure regularity, and a thorough discharge of this duty, Bri- gade or Regimental commanders will, when in camp, designate an hour, twice in each day, when all the horses shall be groomed, for from one to two hours, under the immediate and constant supervision of .-ill the Field and Company Officers. The grooming will not cease until the company officers have satisfied themsdves, by personal inspection, that the duty has been thoroughly performed. « III. Field and Company Officers will satisfy themselves by personal supervision, that while in camp, the horses of their comnjands are regu- larly fed and watered, at least twice each day ; and when on the march, they will see that they are regularly watered and fed vrhen forage can posfiibly be obtained ; and under no circumstance will a man be allovv^ed to sleep at night, until liis horse shall have been thoroughly groomed. IV. Soldiers when allowed to leave camp, must go on foot; and un- der no circumstances will they be allowed to saddle their horses and take them out of camp, except when on duty. V. No soldier, when on duty, will ride faster than a icall, unless or- dered to do so by a superior officer. By order of M:aJ. d-en. ^VHE]EX.Ela. D. G. REED, A. A. Gen. HEADQUARTERS WHEELERS CAVALRY CORPS, AUGUST, 3ed 1863. a-KlsrS5£AXi OItID33K,S, ISJTO- lO- I. Appreciating to the fullest extent the individual acts of devoted gallantry, exhibited by officers and soldeirs of this corps in their many Encounters with the enemy, and being desirous to enable those who have thus distinguished themselves to secure the just reward of their services, the Major Geaeral commanding calls the attention of Cavalry ofticers to the importance of their adopting all means in their power, to insure pro- motion to the valorous, gkillful, and efficient officers and soldiers of their respective commands. This is due to those who by their patriotic devo- tion to duty, and their valor and skill exhibited in the field, have showR themselves worthy of advancement. Officers and Sokliers look to their immediate commanders for this reward ; and the President relies upoR these officers to recommend its dispensation with strict justice. Thus may be excited that emulation to efficiency and gallantly, which docs so ranch to increase the tone and strength otf armies. II. The Coagress of the Confederate States has wisely authorized the President to make promotions, and fill vacancies, by appointing those officers and soldiers who have been distinguished for exhibiting valor and skill. Valor alone does not suffice to make efficient officei^, but must be combined with skill, which implies ability to maintain discipline and a thorough knowledge of tactics, to qualify them to prepare troops for the field and enable them to manoeuvre their commands skillfully, promptly, and with regularity, when before the eiiemy. III. Commanders are especiaJjr enjoined to use great care in their recommendations, so as to secure promotion to the most meritorious. IV. Ofiicers and Soldiers are reminded that by study, strict attention to duty at all times, and valorous bearing on the field, they may attain any rank or position their conduct may merit. Promotion by seniority or election is of little value, but how priceless to the soldier, his family or his friends, is an appointment by the President, rewarding him for ex- hibiting distinguished skill and valor, in a war to maintain the safety and honor of hjs home. By order of ]M[aj. Oen. TV^HEELER. D. G. REED, A. A. Gen. The following is suggested as a proper form to be used in rccommond- ations for prondotion : HEADQUARTERS Zrd ALABAMA CAVALRY' JULY l8T, 186S. Genekal: I have the honor tc» recommend that Sergeant Charles Sriiith, of the 3d Ala. Cav., be ap])ointed 1st Lieut. Co. A. 3d Ala. Cavalry, for exhibiting extraordinary valor and skill on the following occasions: On the 21st September, 1862, in a heavy skirmish at Woodsonville, Ky., Sergeant Smith was particularly distinguished by assisting to maintain his company in line, and preventing confusion in ranks, while it was be- ing charged by a heavy force of the enemy. Being in command of a jjlatoon of his company at the battle of Perryville, on the 8th of Octo- ber, 1802, he led his platoon gallantly and in good order in a charge in which his reghnent engaged ; he also during that day, exhibited most commendable coolness and gallantry, thus assisting much, by his exam- ple and infiuence, in maintaining his company in line, while under a heavy fire of Artillery. At the battle of Murfreesboro'-, on the 81st of December, 1862, while in command of a platoon of his company, by his coolness and skill in manceuvreing his platoon, he prevented its being thrown into disorder, while other platoons similarly situated were re- pulsed and thrown in confusion. Sergeant Smith has at all times dis- played skill and valor in the proper line of duty, has always maintained troops entrusted to his command in good order, and prevented confusion under the most trying circumstances. In charges he invariably leads his men with gallantry. The position of 1st Lieut., Co. A, became vacant by the death of 1st Lieut. James King. Very Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant, A. B. To ) Capt. Co. A, 3d Ala. Cav. General Samuel Cooper, > A. & L Gen'l, C. S. A. ) The law particularly requires that when officers or soldiers are recom- mended for promotion to any grade whatever for valor and skill, the particular acts of valor and skill must be mentioned with tli^ utmost par- ticularity. The att(^ition of all officers is called to this point. One act of valor"^and skill is sufficient to warrant recommendation for promotion but it is best in tlie letter of recommendation to enumerate all acts of gallantry worthy of mention. It is also essential to be stated that the position to which the officer is recommended is vacant, and also how it became vacant. HEADQUARTERS WHEELERS CAVALRY CORPS, OCTOBER 30th, 186S. I. Most grievous complaints are hourly reaching the Headquarters of this Army, of outrages constantly committed, by straggling Cavalry, upon th.e families and property.of men who are fighting for their country. II. The . Commanding General of Cavalry is confident that these atrocities are perpetrated by a few bad men, who seek to avoid the duties, dangers and hardships of campaign, by on various pretences ab- senting themselves from their commands. ^ III. AH good officers and soldiers will lend every aid in suppressing such evils; which besides weakening our effective force, tends so much to reflect dishonor upon the Cavalry, which is composed for the most part of gallant, oiiivalric and honorable men. IV. Division Commanders will cause efficient and trustworthy "Pro- vost Guards,'' to, under their directions, thoroughly and continually scour the country in all directions, for a distance of at least five miles from their camps. V. These " Provost Guards " will arrest all Cavalry soldiers belong- ing to any command whatever, who are found a distance of one mile from their camps, without written permission from proper authority. VI. Soldiers thus arrested will be dismounted and sent under guard to the Provost Marshal General of the Army, for assignment to the In- fantry. Their horses and equipments will be turned over to the Division Qunrtermaster and receipts in duplicate taken for the same. VII. Division Provost Marshals will forward to these Headquarters, on the 1st, 10th, and 20th of each month, the name, Regiment and Com- pany of all soldiers thus arrested, and to each report will be appended a certificate, that they have ari'ested every man whom they have found absent from their commands without proper authority. VIII. Should cases arise in which men appear to be absent from 8 • proper causcia, yet are uiijvbic to show their authority, Division (J(mji- manders may at their discretion return them to duty temporarily witli theii' Regiments ; in every case however, reporting all the facts to Army Headquarters for final decision. IX. Division Commanders will use every other means in their power to have .4tragirlers arrested, whether near or at distant points from their commands, to accomplish which they will send their Provost Guards to any localities where they may learn stragglers are congregating. X. Each Division Conmnmder Avill attach an othcer to his staff, w-hose special duty it shall be, under the direction, and by order of the Division Commanders, to grant passes to officers and men to leave their camps. Xi. The provisions of this order are equally applicable to any de- tached commands less than a Division. By order ©f E. S. BURFORD, A. A. Gen. « HEADQUARTERS WHEELER'S CAVALRY CORPS. OCTOBER «1ST, 1863. I. When on the march men become dismounted by the disabling of their horses, Commanders of Regiments are authorized to select a proper Officer, who vv ill attend to the remounting of such men, by either regu- larly purchasing fresh horses, or by exchanging horses with citizens. II. In all such cases a fair valuation shall be ])aid the citizen for hor- ses thus purchased, and in case; where disabled horses are exchanged for serviceable ones, the difference in value of t':e horses exchanged shall be paid. ' • III. Where in a country occupied by the enemy, it is impossible for the horses to be paid for at the time of purchase or exchange of horses, proper certificates will be left with the citizen to'enable him to obtain payment hereafter. Impressments will only be resorted to when it is ne- cessary to prevent men from falling into the hands of the enemy. IV. In all cases where to accomplish this object, it i« necessary to impress horses, the provisions of the Impressment Act will be complied with, but in no case will horses be impressed from citi#ens, except when behind the enemy's line, and only then, when it is absolutely necessary to prevent the soldier from being captured V. Any soldiers who take horses fronj citizens under the pretence of impressment, except in accordance with this order, or by other proper authority, will be dealt with as the law requires. Any horse impressed for a soldier, will be paid for by him at schedule prices. By order of E. S. BURFORD, A. A. Gen. HEADQUABTERS WHEELERS CAVALRY CORPS, NOVEMBER 1st, 1868. I. Hereafter, when any property is captured from the enemy, it will in all cases be promptly turned over to the prop^ir officer, on the StafiT of the ooiiirjiaudcr of the troops capturing tho same. Tliis officer will hold said property subject to the orders of the Commanding General of the Army. II. The Inspector General of the command will in all cases make fdil returns of captured property, and without such returns, no captures will be credited to any command. By order of E. S. BURFQRD, A. A. Gen, ■ 7/ HEADQUARTERS WHEELER'S CAVALRY CORPS, NOVEMBER, lOxn, 1863. GENERAL ORDERS, No. 1-t. It being essential to the proper maintenance of discipline, that all offi- cers and non-commissioned officers should wear the Fadge of their Rank, it is hereby ordered that ^ I. (1.) All Gommissioixed and non-commissioned officers of this cojn- mand .shall Avear the appropriate Badge of the Rank, (2.) This Badge of Rank of Commissioned Officers may be either of worsted or gold braid. It will be invariably worn' upon the collar and upon the sleeve, when it is possible to be procured. (3.) lnspee correcUd, and not waste their force upon those discrepancies which circumstances render it impossible to correct. III. Brigade Inspectors will thor^Dughly inspect their entire com- mands onee each week ; and Division Inspectors twice each month. Full written reports of all Insi)ectors will be forwarded, to these Headquar- ters, with as little delay as possible. ^, By order of E. S. BOrFORD, Maj. & A. A. Gen. HEADQUARTERS WHEELER'S CAVALRY CORPS, . JANUARY 31st, 1864. GENKKAL ORDERS, No. 1. I. The great amount of ammunition that has been consumed by the Cavalry, and the great number of guns that have been lo.^^t and destroy- ed, demand the most vigorous action on the part of cavalry commanders of all grades, to have tliis most serious evil immediately suppressed. II. Company commanders will inspect tlie arms and ammunition each day, and see that they are in proper order for service. Particular atten- tion will be paid to see that the cartridges are of the proper calibre for the arras. Cartridges will be firmly packed in the boxes with cotton, tow, or crumped paper, so that no amount of jarring can injure them in the least. Great care will be taken in all inspections to see that cartridges do not become Useless from the powder sifting out and thus being lost; and that rille guns are well greased inside. III. Cartridges become much injured by dampness ; officers will there- fore, at least once in each week have tliem thoroughly dried in the sun to insure their proper condition. IV. When ammunition becomes so damaged is to become unfit for use, great care will be taken to preserve the lead, which will be turned in to the Chief Ordnance Officer of the army. V. Division Ordnance Officers v.ill inspect the Ordnance pertaining to their Divisions twice a month ; and Brigade Ordnance Officers every week. VI. Brigade Commanders will forward every Saturday to these Head- quarters, reports of the small arms, pistols, sabres, ammunition and ac- coutrements on hand in each Regiment. VII. Regim^ental and Battery conmianders will forv/ard to the Chief of Ordiiance at Richmond, Va., within twenty days of the end of each quarter, duplicate quarterly returns of the Ordnance and Ordnance Stores pertainiag to their commands. '' VIII. Every Soldier will keep foi-^^ rounds of ammunition in liis cartridge ^ox, and forty additional roiJnds for each soldier will be car- ried in wagons. IX. Any enlisted man not being able to account properly for his arms, accoutrements and ammunition, will be immediately arrested by 12 hi» Company commander, and charges preferred against him for t]ve vio lation of the 37th Article of War. X Orders from the War Department require . that company com- manders sliould charge on the Pay Rolls all lost arms and ammunition according to the following rates : Enfield Rifle, cal. 577, $54 00 Springfield Rifle, cal. 68, 36 00 Smooth bore Muskets, cal. 69, 35 00 All other Rifles, 24 00 Sharp's Carbine, 45 00 All other Carbines, 85 00 Ramrods, ,. 8 56 Screw Driver and Cone Wrench, 1 5o Wipers, 75 BallScrew, . 75 Spring A^ice, •. 1 50 Kerr'sEnglish Pistol, 75 00 Colt's Army or Navy Pistol, 55 00 Single barrel Pistol, 15 00 Cartridge Box, — 4 50 Waist Belt, : 2 06 Cap Pouch and Pick, 2 23 Gun Sling, - 1 20 Sabre Belt 5 00 Carbine Sling, 6 00 Canteen & Strap, 1 50 Haversack, 50 Sabre, 21 00 Catridges— small arms— each, 25 Percussion Caps, 05 Saddle, complete 125 00 Cavalry Bridle, Halter, 80 00 Cavalry Halters, 17 09 Saddle Bags, 20 00 Breast Strap, lO 00 Stirrup Leathers, 8 00 XI. Commanders who fail to make these charges, will be arrested, and their pay stopped until the amount is made good to the GovernmenL XII. Division commanders Avill immediately have arms so distributed that as far as possible, each Regiment will have those of the same calibre. They will see that this distinction is kept up in the future. By order of MAJ. QElSr. WHEELER. E. S. BURFORD, A. A. Gen. HEADQUARTERS WHEELER'S CAVALRY CORPS, FEBRUARY 10th, 18G4. GENERAL ORDERS, No. 2. I. The following Schools ©f Instruction will be established ancl main- tained at all times, except when upon the march. 1st. The Captains and Lieutenants of each Regiment will b(% organized into a School, and will recite daily to the Regimental commander, or some other field oflicer. These officers will also be formed daily and thoroughly drilled by the Instructor in the School of the Trooper, Pla 13 toon, Squadrorl, and in the use of the sabre. The theoretical instruction will consist of the School of the Trooper, Platoon, Squadron, Evolution of the Eegiment, and so much of the Army Regulations as relates to guard duty and manoeuvreing of troops. 2nd. The non-commissioned officers of each company, together with two or more of the m.ost intelligent privates will he organized into a school, and will recite daily to tlie corspany commander or some other commissioned officer. This school will also he formed daily and thor- oughly drilled hy the Instrr^tor in the school of the 'Trooper, Platoon, and in the use of the sal)re. The theoretical instruction will be the same as instruction to officers, omitting evolutions of the Regiment. II. Field Officers will recite at least three times, each month, to the Division or Brigade commander in Cavalry Tactics, including evolutions of the Regiment and evolutions of the line. III. Division and Brigade commanders will superintend these schools, and will use every exertion to facilitate and urge forward work so neces- sary to the proper discipline and efficiency of this arm of the service. IV. The Board of Officers convened in each Division to relieve the army of incompetent officers, will commence vigorous action, and all offi- cers found to be in any way incompetent to perform all the duties of their positions will be immediately relieved from duty. V. In drilling, officers will exact the entire attention of the men, never allowing them to talk in ranks, or become listless while being in- structed. They will take great care that each evolution is performed with the utmost accuracy and i)recision. VI. Officers of this Corps will be required to wear sabres at all times when on duty. By order ©f * MAJ. aEN. WHEELER, E. S. BURFORD, A. A. Gen. HEADQUARTERS WHEELER'S CAVALRY CORPS. MAY, S1»T, 1864. GENERA!^ ORDERS NO. :?• .^ I. Complaiute having reached the Major General Commanding that the families of officers and soldiers of this command, as well as other ci- tizens, are freqnently robbed of tlieir horses, provisions and grain, by mounted men, who roam over the country, falsely representing them- selves as scouts detached from this command, and falsely representing that they have authority from these Headquarters to impress said arti- cles. Soldiers will inform their families that no such authorities are is- sued from th^se Headquarters ; any purporting to be sa issued being forgeries. Any such authorities granted by subordinate officers are ille- gal, and all parties making use thereof render themselves liable to pun- ishment for theft. II. Families of soldiers should endeavor to have these marauders and plnnderers arrested and turned over to justice. They arc, in most cases, either roving thieves or deserters. III. All detachments from this command will invariably, when it be- comes necessary to purchase supplies from citizens, either pay for them immediately, or furnish such citizens with duplicate certified accounts, made out as required by the Army Regnlations, and endorsed by the 14 commanding officer of th^ detachment. Should cases arise where non- commissioned officers, privates or couriers are obliged to purchase from citizens without making immediate payment, they will, in addition to the certified accounts mentioned above, leave a copy of the order under which they are traveling. IV. Commanding officers will see that all detachments leaving their commands fully understand the spirit and object of this order. V. Incases where citizens are treispassed upon they should first learn what troops are committing the trespass, and then report the fact to the nearest oihcer, who will immediately see that proper steps are taken to securejustico to the citizen and Government. Citizens are particularly requested and urged to foUow all soldiers who are committing hnpropri- eties. to their camps and represent the facts to their Commanding 0th- eers, who- wull see that full redress is given the citizen and the culprit properly punished. If the citizen cannot follow tiie guilty parties to their camps, tUcy should make a full written report to tliese IIead(iuar- ters, stating the l^rigade, and if possible the name, Company and Kegi- ment. This is the duty of all citizens, as by so doing they will succeed in bringing bad men to Justice, and assist in protecting their neighbors. All officers are reminded that authorities for impressment are illegal, un- less emanating from a -Department Commander or General Officer in command of detached troops. VI. All officers and men of this command are enjoined to nse every exertion to have marauders, approaching their camps, arrested, in order that they may bo brought to the most summary punishment. By order of MA J. G^EiS^.W^ HEELER. JOHN W. LABOUISE, A. A. Gen. HEADQTJAliTERS WHEELERS CAVALRY CORPS. JUNE lOxn, 1864. OENERAL ORDERS NO, -^. I. Soldiers, your Commonding General has, since the organization of this corps, exerted himself to establish and maintain discipline. This is absolutely necessary for your comtort and welfare. Demtigogues have falsely told you that discipline meant harsh words, harse treatment and haughty bearing on the part of your officers. You have seen yourselves that it is basely false. II. Discipline is the good soldiers greatest friend and protector. Discipline eciualizes labor, and requires skulkers and stragglers to do their duty, which is otherwise performed by meritorious men, in addi- tion to their owm duties. Discipline requires the timid to march into action shoulder to shoul- der with our brave men, who otherwise alone bear the bruMt of the con- test, while the timid skulker lacs back to screen himself from danger. Discipline makes you one body, which, with the brave spirits who aro found in our cavalry, would make it invincible. Discipline enables your officers to see that you arc properly clothed, rationed and provided for in all respects. Discipline prevents the straggling of a few bad men, who may commit outrages upon yonr families and other citizens, rendering your homes de- solate, and stigmatizing a-thousand good soldiers by the bad conduct of a, single man. 16 III. Officers and soldiers, it ig your duty to your country and to youf selves to use every exertion to enforce discipline in all respects. You have fought bravely, you have labored and suffered, you have sa- crificed your homes and property ; you have but one more duty, and that duty is to maintain discipline. . IV. Captains, exact duty equally and juftly from each soldier withoui favor or partiality. Colonels, hold Captains strictly responsible tliat this duty is thoroughly performed. Brigade Commanders, hold Colonels strictly responsible for the disci- pline of their I^giments. Division Commanders, hold Brigade Commanders strictly accoTintablo for the conduct of every member of their commands. "When bad soldiers neglect their duty, see that they are punished, and in the proi)er officer fails to take prompt measures, it is the duty of the next commander to see that he is punished for his neglect. When crime, neglect, or misconduct, however slight, is committed^ punisliment must follow ; its certainty alone can establish discipline. V. The laws of your country enable you to displace inefficient and incompetent officers, and to supply their places witli brave, meritorious and skillful men. By availing yourselves of this privilega there can be no difficulty in accomplishing tlie object so essential to the welfare of your commands. By order of ^.. .. ..r..r^c * . MA J. GEN. WHEEI.ER, WM. E. WAILES, A. A. Gen. HEADQUARTERS WHEELERS CAVALRY CORPS. JUNE 12Tn, 18<54. GENERAL ORDERS NO. rJ. I. When marching, on arriving at a fork of the road, or any point where it is possible for a command to mistake the route, the command- ing officer of each regiment, or detachment less than a regiment, will leave a courier to inform the commanding officer who follows, the road taken by the preceding troops. The courier will then rejoin his own command. This is particularly necessary during night marches. II. Division Commanders will send a courier every thirty minutes to • the Corps Commanders, to keep him informed of the relative position of the troops. III. Commanders will regulate the gait with great care, and wiil not allow men to gallop in closing in closing up their columns. IV. At all halts the command will be dismounted to rest the horses, ' except when in the immediate presence of the enemy. V. Division and Brigade Commanders will detail such rear guards as are necessary to prevent all straggling from the ranks. VI. In the pf^ssage of water courses or sloughs, Regimental Comman- ders will leave a Field or other officer to see that there is no unnecessary delay in crossing; and also to see that men do not stop to water their liorses, except when authorized by the Regimental Commander. VJI. One man will be detailed in each company to carry an axe, which vi\\\ be slung to the saddle. To compensate for the trouble and fatigue resulting therefrom, he will be excu8e