ST. LOUIS, February 16.
The following circular has been issued from Headquarters:
“All persons who are known to have been in arms against the United States, or to have actively aided the rebellion by word or deed, are to be arrested. Those who are accused of acts in vindication of the laws of war – such as the destruction of railroad bridges and private property, firing into trains, assassination, &c., – will not be released on any terms, but will be held for trial before a Military Commission. Notoriously bad and dangerous men, though no specific charge of disloyalty can be proven against them, will be kept in custody. Other cases are referred to the Commanding General.
Prisoners not included in either of the above classes may be released upon subscribing to the usual oath and giving a sufficient bond with good security for their future conduct. The amount of bond should in no case be less than $10,000, and in some cases should be much larger, varying according to the wealth, influence and previous conduct of the party. The security should in preference be a secessionist.
Persons now engaged in recruiting for the rebel army, also those enrolled for the rebel service, will be arrested and held as prisoners of war. In addition to this, all property belonging to such persons, and which can be used for military purposes, such as horses, mules, harnesses, wagons, beef cattle, forage, &c., will be seized and turned over to the Provost Marshal, to be disposed of according to orders of the Commanding General of this Department.
When persons who have been in the rebel service voluntarily come forward and take and subscribe to the oath of allegiance and parole, and are released on bonds, all property not of military character taken from them shall be restored.
By order of Maj. Gen. HALLECK
N. H. McLEAN, Asst. Adgt. Gen.”
Gen. Halleck also issued another general order, the principal part of which is as follows:
“At the request of the acting Governor of Missouri, it is hereby ordered that at all future elections in this state, municipal, county or town elections, every voter will be required to take the oath of allegiance presented by the State Convention October 16, 1861. Officers of polls will see to the execution of this order. If they received the votes of persons not taking the oath, they will be tried and arrested for military offense, and the election declared null and void.”
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 2
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