The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1862-10-19
General McClellan's Order on pillag.
ing by Soldiers.
The following Order has just been IS
sued by General MCCLELLAN

Notwithstanding the frequent orders
shat have been issued from these head
quarters in regard to styoggl1s and P5ha-
gegs. the Commanding General regrets TO
be obliged to again call the attention Of
eorps and other subordinate command
nrs to this subject, and 10 impress upon
4hem the absolute necessity Of holding tts dif-
5syent commanders responsible Jor this direct
and fragrant Ujo1atlon Of orders.
We are now occupying a country in
habited by loyal population, who look
10 US for the preservation Of order and
discipline, instead of suffering our men
TO go about in small parties ldaolessly dep
geaatiag upon their property. armed patrols
aUiHJe sent out daily from all the d!6erSnt
corps in this army 10 arrest all officers and
soldiers aoho are absent from the limits Of
their camps withosa lof5tten permission from
gorps, division or BRIGADE commanders. All
persons 80 arrested will be sent the same
day to the Provost Marshal General, at
these headquarters, who will, until fur
aher orders send them under guard TO
Harpers Ferry, there 10 be kept at work
ON the deiences of that place.
In order that the requirements OF this
order may be perfectly understood by all
concerned, corps commanders will, with
an twenty. four hours after the receipt of
this order, furnish evidence to the COM
handing General, through the Assistant
Adjutant General, at these headquarters.
The Commanding General is resolved
10 put a stop to the peynicious and criminal
practices referred to. BY command of
Major General MCCLELLAN.
g. WILLIAMS, Adjutant General.
Some days ago we felt called on as q
public journalist TO denounce in strong
and unequivocal language the wholly
unwarranted, unautha D9ed, illegal and
demoralizing practice of pillaging and
depreciation INDUCED, by some per-
sons in the Federal service, who respect
neither the Government which they dis
grace, nor themselves, whom probably it
would be difficult matter to disgrace.
We are fully aware that where there
are 80 many thousands of men promis-
ouously assembled from all parts of the
country, it is next TO an impossibil-
ity to prevent depredations. We know
TOO, that soldiers or officers who have
disgraced the service by unauthorized
depredatiOns and seizure of property, for
their own profit and use, have violated
not only the articles Of 'oar as laid dom
By General HALLEoK, Out also the positive
written orders of the Commanders of the
various posts
But at the same time we are satisfied
that acts are perpetrated, almost daily,
which do not reach the ear Of the last
named officer, and we earnestly hope
that some Severe measures may be taken
10 prevent such offences in the future.
There are deeds of petty thieving
committed by stragglers connected
with foraging parties which are
enough TO bring the blush Of shame to
the cheek Of every patriot. Union men
suffer from these depredations as much,
If not more, than disloyal men. Indeed,
we are inclined to believe that poor me-
gro, or friendless widow 10 good deal
more apt to suffer from the acts of these
struggling knavegthan a rich and influ-
entail secessionist A thief is after gain
only, and viii steal where he can do so
with least trouble, and risk OF prosecu-
ton and punishment Every honest sol
der, and we believe the vast majority Of
them are 30, should feel himself especial
Nv called upon to hunt up and arrest
every man in the service who is bring
ing odium on the service and the Gov
ernmcnt by pillaging and stealing. A
rebel soldier may be excused for steals
ing that Is part Of his business and his
creed; the whole rebellion is a system
of gigantic villainy-and in robbing
poor people Of chickens, turkeys, pigs,
and horses, without license he is only
living up 10 his principles. But we pro-
fess 70 be enlisted in holy cause, for the
protection and defence Of all men in their
right 10 life, liberty and the pursuit Of
happiness, and IL becomes us all 10 walk
with exceeding circumspection and an
exalted sense Of honor.
We are rejoiccd TO see that General
MCCLELLAN is not content with the al
ready very rigid army regulations on this
point, but has reiterated their provisions
ia the very emphatic order just quoted,
Perhaps we may be intruding on ground
not to be entered by civilian wa cons