The Memphis union appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1862-1862, 1862-07-22
TOUCHING GUERRILLAs /!
RESPONSIBILITY
Ruggles in the Shenandoah.
severe, but Much Needed order.
General Order MOL.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF VIRGINIA, I
Washington, July Is. I
The people of the Valley of the Shenan-
doah, and throughout the region of operations
of this army, living along the lines of railroad
and telegraph and along routes of travel in
the rear of the United States forces, are noti-
fed that they viii be held responsible for any
injury done the track, line or road, or for any
attacks upon trains or Struggling soldiers, by
bands of guerrillas in their neighdorhood. No
privileges or immunities of war can apply to
Iawless bands of individuals not forming part
of the organized forces of the enemy, nor
wearing the garb of soldiers, who, seeking and
obtaining safety on the pretext of being peace
full citizens, steal out in the rear of the army,
attack and murder Struggling soldiers, modest
teams of supplies, destroy railroads, telegraph
lines and bridges, and commit outrages dis
graceful to humanity. Evil disposed persons
in the rear of our armies who do not them
selves engage directly in these lawless acts,
encourage, by refusing to interfere to give any
information by which such acts can be pre-
vented, or the perpetrators punished. Safety
of the life and property of ali persons living in
the rear of, our advancing army depend upon
the maintenance of peace and quiet among
| themselves, and upon the unmolested move
ments through their midst of all
| pertaining to the military service.
| They are to understand distinctly that the9
security of travel is their only warrant of per-
sonal safety. 1t is therefore ordered that
whenever railroad, wagon road or telegraph
is injured by parties of guerrillas, the citizens
| living within five miles of the spo. shall be
| turned out en- Inasse to repair the damages,
and shall, besides, pay the United States in
money or in property, to be collected by mill
tary force, the full amount of the pay and sub
sstence of the whole force necessary to coerce
the performance of the work during the time
| occupied in completing it. If soldier, or
legitimate follower of the army, be fred upon
from any house, the house shall be RACED to
the ground and the inhabitants sent prisoners
to the headquarters of this army. If such an
outrage occur at any place distant from settle
ments, the people within five miles around
shall be held accountable ard made to pay an
indemnity sufficient for the case, and any per-
son detected in such outrages, either during
the act or at any time afterward, shall be shot
without waiting civil process. No such act
can influence the result of this war, and they
can only lead to heavy affection to the popu
laticn to no purpose. 1t is therefore enioineC
upon all persons, both for the security of the
property and the safety of their own persons
that they act vigorously and cordially togethe
to pre- vent the preparation of such outrages
Whilst it is the wish of the General command
ing this army that all peaceably disposed per
!; sons who remain at their homes and pursu
| their accustomed avocations shall be subjecte
to no improper burden of war, yet their owl
safety must, of necessity, depend upon tn
strict preservation of peace and order amonl
themselves, and they are to understand ths
nothing will deter him from enforcin
promptly, and to the full extent every prov
sion of this order.
By command of Major General Pope.
TSignedl GEO. ID. RUGGLEs, Colonel.