February 14, 1862
On February 14, 1862, Major General Henry Halleck issued General Orders No. 37 (Department of the Missouri) promoting Ulysses S. Grant to command of the newly-created District of West Tennessee.
General Orders No. 37
Hdqrs. Department of the Missouri
Saint Louis, February 14, 1862.
I.; Brig. Gen. U.S. Grant is assigned to the command of the District of West Tennessee and Brig. Gen. W.T. Sherman to the command of the District of Cairo.
II. Commanders of districts, divisions, brigades, and posts, in the State of Missouri, are directed to have immediate inspection of all their troops, for the discovery of stolen and contraband property and fugitive slaves. General orders, No. 3, series of 1861, will be strictly enforced, and any officer who has permitted it to be violated by his command will be arrested and tried for neglect of duty and disobedience of orders.
By command of Major-General Halleck
N.H. McClean,
Assistant Adjutant-General