Jno. Withers to Military commanders of Confederate States forces, September 24, 1862

SPECIAL ORDERS, } ADJT. AND INSPECTOR GENERAL’S OFFIOE,

September 24, 1862.

No. 223. Richmond, Va., September 24, 1862. * * * * * * *

Il. Military commanders of Confederate States forces, as soon as they approach or enter the territory of the United States bordering upon the Mississippi River or the tributaries thereof, will publish proclamations assuring the people of those States, as well as all others interested, of the free navigation of the Mississippi River, in accordance with a resolution adopted by the Confederate States Senate September 12.

By command of the Secretary of War:

Assistant Adjutant-General.

Resolution of the Confederate States Senate, passed September 12, 1862.

Resolved, That the President be and is hereby respectfully requested to direct such

of our military commanders as may at the time be in command of the respective columns of our forees as soon as they approach or enter the territory of the United States

bordering upon the Mississippi River or the tributaries thereof, to publish proclamations assuring the people of those States, as well as all others interested, of the free

navigation of the Mississippi River, according to the provisions of an act of the Provisional Congress, entitled ”An act to declare and establish the free navigation of the

Mississippi River,” approved February 25, 1861; and that said commanders cause to