Dayton daily empire. [volume] (Dayton [Ohio]) 1850-1865, 1864-03-08
9ailg Gmplre,
Prosecutions against Omcers
ana SOISlIers--Order ny GeneT-
al ROaeCrNna.
HEADQUARTERs DrPT OF THE Mo 4
ST. Louis, Feb 29, 1864

ST Louis, Feb 29, 1864
General Orders No "a
i. The Major General Commanding. is
panied so learn that prosecutons m the namp
of the civil law are contemplated. and some
suits have been actually commenced, against
soldiers, or late soldiers and officers, for al
legged illegal acts, said 90 have been commit.
ted by them while in the military service, and
that the active agents in these prosecutions
are men distinguished for their sympatbies
with the rebellion, or, at best for theft want of
sympathy with the Union cause xxx.
That those who so late were willing TO see
both the constitution and the laws stricken
down BY the hand OF aimed rebellion should
now be conspicuous in restoring civil order,
is praiseworthy but threats Of using the law
to harass those who stood by both constitu
ton and law in their hour OF peril, at the
risk Of life, excite local animoaities, weaken
the arm, and retard the re.establishmsnt Of
To prevent these evils, the General Com
marding enjoins on alls good citizens to ab-
sla in from using threats OF presenting Off
GERS and soldiers for their acts, while in mill
tsry service. AhI 20 F' Hla9iio1
l.iAll soch prosecutions are prohibited
except by the consent Of the commander of
the district in which the prosecution is com
menced, or by consent OF higher military an-
thority, which will always be granted, when
consistent with the ends OF justice and the in
terests Of the service ia. 'hi hi7faI't %
III While this prohibition exists the Gen-
erAl Commanding directs all officers, acting
under authority of the Provost Marshal's De
partment, and all commanders Of troops, TO
observe and exact strict regard for the laws
of the land, as well as those of the military
service and it is enjoihed upon them to
strengthen and MD the civil law in all cases
where il can he done without defeating the
ends OF justice or conflicting with military au.
thority over those in the military service
~. District commanders and Provost Mar
shals will cause wrongs done TO citizens by
persons in the military service TO be promptly
investigated, and justice TO be done without
delh5, consulting with and reporting for or
ders, where necessary, from these headquar
ters. 4ii " ihrI
v. Officers And soldiers are reminded that
their funclions heing to establish law and JUS
tice against armed opposition too strong Tor
the officers of the civil power, their uniform
becomes a sacred badge, aud whoever wearing
it, commits or permits wrong and outrage to
persons or property, stains that badge, and
stabs the country he ptofesses to serve Mil
able than trust of property He who mis-
uses this power to crafty ot'bcnefft himself is
more ruiIty and dishonorable than the viola
tors OF peouninry trust
Impartial justice and the strictest reeatd
for private rights, especially for the rights of
the weak aud dsfehseless, are, therefore, the
duty aud The glory of the true, patriotic sol
dier. They are, also, the marks Of true no.
bility aud courage, while cruelty and injustice
are the sure badges OF haseness, aud covsrd-
ice
VI The General Commanding asks aud
expects the officers and soldiers Of his com
mAnd 10 behave ~ becomes their nation aud
profession .,lf..
VII Their stteuhon is called TO the pro
visions " General prder No. 63, Of July 7,h,
1868, from these headquarters, which will be
read Al Die head Of each company on receipt
Of this order. oid nia.itI ia s.I,.T
BY command Of Major general Rosecraus.
o ID. GREENE,
... I.fi.i ui Assisfabl A dntlant l,anafsA4