Executive Order, No. 2, Relating to Political Prisoners, February 27, 1862

Executive Order, No. 2, Relating to Political Prisoners.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, February 27, 1862.

IT IS ORDERED:

First. That a special commission of two persons, one of military rank and the other in civil life, be appointed to examine the cases of the state prisoners remaining in the military custody of the United States and to determine whether in view of the public safety and the existing rebellion they should be discharged or remain in military custody or be remitted to the civil tribunals for trial.

Second. That Maj. Gen. John A. Dix, commanding in Baltimore, and the Hon. Edwards Pierrepont, of New York, be and they are hereby appointed commissioners for the purposes above mentioned, and they are authorized to examine, hear and determine the cases aforesaid ex parte and in a summary manner at such times and places as in their discretion they may appoint and make full report to the War Department.

By order of the President:

 EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

SOURCES: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series II, Volume 2 (Serial No. 115), p. 249; Morgan Dix, Memoirs of John Adams Dix, Volume 2, p. 42