Browse all Entries, Images, Videos, and Audio Files in the Civil War Documents category.
President Lincoln’s Executive Order for the “Arrest and Imprisonment of Irresponsible Newspaper Reporters and Editors”
May 18, 1864 On May 18, 1864, President Lincoln issued an executive order commanding Major General John A. Dix to arrest and imprison the editors, proprietors, and publishers of the <i>New York World</i> and <i>New York Journal of Commerce</i> newspapers for printing false stories giving comfort to the enemies of the U.S. Major-General John A.…
President Lincoln’s Executive Order Mandating the Execution of Rebel Soldiers in Retaliation for the Execution of Union Soldiers
July 30, 1863 On July 30, 1863, President Lincoln issued an executive order mandating that for every U.S. soldier killed in violation of the laws of war, a Rebel soldier would be executed. It is the duty of every government to give protection to its citizens, of whatever class, color, or condition, and especially to…
President Lincoln’s Executive Order Naming Major General Henry Halleck as General-in-Chief of All US Land Forces
July 11, 1862 On July 11, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued an executive order naming Major General Henry Halleck as General-in-Chief of all US land forces. Executive Order – Making Henry W. Halleck General-in-Chief July 11, 1862 Ordered, That Major-General Henry W. Halleck be assigned to command the whole land forces of the United States…
President Lincoln’s Executive Order Naming Ulysses S. Grant as Commander of U.S. Armies
March 10, 1864 On March 10, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln issued an executive order appointing Lieutenant-General Ulysses S. Grant to command the armies of the United States. EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, D.C., March 10, 1864. — Under the authority of the Act of Congress to appoint the grade of Lieutenant-General in the army, of February 29,…
President Lincoln’s Executive Order Prohibiting Citizens Liable for the Draft from Leaving the United States, and Suspending the Writ of Habeas Corpus
August 8, 1862 On August 8, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued an executive order prohibiting citizens liable for the draft from leaving the United States, and suspending the writ of habeas corpus for persons arrested for disloyal practices. WAR DEPARTMENT, By direction of the President of the United States, it is hereby ordered that until…
President Lincoln’s Executive Order Relieving General G. B. McClellan and Making Other Changes
November 5, 1862 On November 5, 1862, President Lincoln issued an executive order replacing George B. McClellan with Ambrose E. Burnside as commander of the Army of the Potomac. Nov. 5, 1862 By direction of the President, it is ordered that Major-General McClellan be relieved from the command of the Army of the Potomac, and…
President Lincoln’s Executive Order Tendering Thanks to William T. Sherman
September 3, 1864 On September 3, 1864, President Lincoln issued an executive order offering the thanks of the nation to William T. Sherman for his successful campaign in Georgia that led to the capture of Atlanta. The national thanks are tendered by the President to Major-General William T. Sherman and the gallant officers and soldiers…
President Lincoln’s Letter to Joseph Hooker
January 26, 1863 On January 26, 1863, President Lincoln wrote to Joseph Hooker, giving him advice about commanding the Army of the Potomac. Executive Mansion Washington, January 26, 1863 Major General Hooker: General. I have placed you at the head of the Army of the Potomac. Of course I have done this upon what appear…
President Lincoln’s Response to John C. Fremont’s Emanicpation Proclamation
September 11, 1861 On September 11, 1861, President Abraham Lincoln ordered John C. Fremont to modify his emancipation proclamation to comply with the Confiscation Act of 1861. Washington, D.C. Sep. 11, 1861 Major General John C. Fremont, Sir: Yours of the 8th in answer to mine of 2nd Inst. is just received. Assuming that you,…
President Tyler’s Executive Order Appointing Winfield Scott as General of the Army
July 5, 1841 On July 5, 1841 U.S. President John Tyler issued an executive order appointing Major General Winfield Scott as General of the Army. ; GENERAL ORDERS WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, Washington, July 5, 1841. Brevet Major-General Winfield Scott having been appointed by the President, by and with the consent and advice of the…