Union general (1831–1869) who served as Grant's aide-de-camp and later as a brigadier general. A close friend and confidant of Grant, Rawlins was appointed secretary of war at the start of his presidency. Civil War-dated manuscript DS signed “Jno. A. Rawlins,” one page, 7.75 x 10, July 20, 1862. Sent from “Head Quarters District of West Tennessee,” special order No. 139, which bans the travel of unauthorized women from northern rail points to the army's encampments, along with their presence in camp. In full: “No females will be allowed to leave Columbus, Kentucky, or any intermediate railway Station by Railroad, to join any part of the Army of this District without a special written permit from Department Head Quarters or these Head Quarters. All females from abroad remaining within Camp lines shall be arrested and sent out of the District. Division, Brigade, Post, Regimental and Company Commanders will see to the faithful execution of this order throughout their respective Commands.” Signed at the conclusion by John A. Rawlins as Assistant Adjutant General, “By Command of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant.” In fine condition.
As early-war Federal offensives made inroads into Confederate territory, both east and west, the occupying Union Army was inevitably followed southward by another, consisting of profiteers and opportunists of all types, including prostitutes. By this order, Grant intended to thwart the proliferation of prostitution among the Army in the newly occupied regions of Tennessee, northern Mississippi, and Alabama, secured by the recent Union victory at the Battle of Shiloh.
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