Lot #324

[Robert E. Lee] Civil War-Dated General Order No. 85, Issued to Maj. Gen. Jubal A. Early

Description

General Order No. 85 on the conscription of "all white male residents of the Confederate States between the ages of 18 and 45"

Manuscript document issued in the name of "General R. E. Lee," one page, 8 x 12.75, August 17, 1863. "General Order No. 85" from the headquarters of the Army of Northern Virginia, in part: "In connection with the recent call of the President…requiring all white male residents of the Confederate States between the ages of 18 and 45 not exempted by law, and not already in service, to be enrolled…in all cases of substitution, when the substitute becomes liable to conscription his principal is rendered again liable to service, unless exempt on other grounds. In all cases where a substitute has been received who was under 45 years of age on the day the President's call for men to this age was issued, or has reached the age of 18 since his reception, the name & residence of the principal will be promptly reported to these Hd Quarters." Signed at the conclusion in ink by Assistant Adjutant General James P. Smith. In fine condition, with a small chip to the bottom edge.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts Featuring Abraham Lincoln and Civil War
• Dates:
  Starts:

  03/27/2026
  Ends:

  04/15/2026