Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress. Transcribed and Annotated by the Lincoln Studies Center, Knox College. Galesburg, Illinois.
Unknown, Proposal for a General Order1, April 1, 1862
A general order by the President
to all Commanders of the U. S. Forces in the field.
______________________________
In the progress of this war so wickedly commenced against the United States, and waged by treason and rebellion, it has become necessary to regulate our advancing arms by definite orders, of general application. In the excitement of advance, of battle, and of victory, there is danger of forgetting the dictates of justice and of christianity.
You will always remember, therefore, that this war, so causelessly provoked by our enemies, is waged, on our part, solely to restore the supremacy of the Constitution, the Union, and the laws. These have been established, amidst many sacrifices of blood, treasure, and opinion, by us, by them, and especially by our common ancestry, now revered by the civilized of all nations. The work of the martyrs and patriots of the Revolution must never be overthrown by violence. We might well expect to be abandoned of Heaven, if we hesitated in the faithful and resolute defence of its best political gift to men.
It is not a war of vengeance, for that is the function alone of the Almighty. It remains for government to administer justice only under the forms of established law.
It is not a war for the subjugation of a country, for that is already an inseparable part of the United States; nor of a people, for great numbers of its inhabitants are still peaceable, loyal, and hopeful of an early deliverance, at your hands, from the despotism of military and civil usurpation.
It is not a war for the acquisition of property, except so far as the title thereto belongs unquestionably to the United States, by lawful purchase and former possession. Nor is it prosecuted for the destruction of property, or of any personal rights whatever, heretofore enjoyed, except so far as they may be used for the promotion of this unholy rebellion.
The war is not prosecuted for the deprivation of any political rights or privileges heretofore lawfully enjoyed by persons or communities, all of which at the close of the war will remain to the loyal citizen and to the political community holding constitutional allegiance to the general government as established by law.
On the other hand, you will cause it to be distinctly understood that the war is, on our part, for the subjugation suppression of all rebel organizations, all rebels in arms, and all usurped authority; and that all property voluntarily entangled in their support is inevitably imperilled by their continuance.
To all peaceable citizens, engaged in lawful avocations, you will proclaim and assure tranquility and protection in person and in property. You will take every care, on your official responsibility, that no wrong is done to any such well disposed citizen, by any under your command or within your control. Evince by your conduct, and that of the brave men under you, the falsehood of the charges made by the upholders of tyranny and usurpation respecting the purpose and effect of your advance.
Your only purpose is to restore to the people their constitutional rights and obligations, to give security to Agriculture, to re-open the channels of commerce, to revive trade, to give back the beneficence of a liberal and paternal government; in a word, to restore law , and order & tranquility, with all the blessings that accompany them.
As soon as due precautions will permit, freedom of commerce and travel will follow your military occupation, of which you will be advised by the proper department.
The foregoing declarations you will make known at all proper times and places, and will carry them into effect.
[ Endorsement:]
Projet for Order to
Generals in the Field
[Note 1 Though this document is written as though coming from Lincoln, its language and tone shows clearly that is not by Lincoln. The document is not in Lincoln's hand, nor are its few corrections. Only the docketing gives a clue to the origin of this "general order" as a "project" for an order to officers in the field. Its author remains unknown.]
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