Major Gen. Ulysses S. Grant

In this signed, Manuscript Special Order (7 3/4"x 10") Gen. John Rawlins bans the travel of "unauthorized women" (e.g., prostitutes) from the war zone by order of Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant.

Background: The Union made inroads into Confederate territory early in the war, and was followed by profiteers and opportunists. Grant's order -- signed by Gen. Rawlins, his aide -- intended to curb prostitution in the newly occupied regions of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama, secured by the recent Union victory at the Battle of Shiloh.

The order reads:

"Head Quarters District of West Tennessee, Corinth, Mississippi, July 20th 1862. Special Order No. 139. 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. By Command of Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant. Jno. A. Rawlins, Assistant Adjutant Genl."

Note: Light, even toning; a few scattered stains and two horizontal folds detract very little from excellent overall condition.

$2,000