Index of General Orders 1865. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1866. General orders Nos. 1 through 175, separately issued, of various pagination, specially bound for Brigadier Gen. J.W. Barriger. Half black lea., measuring 5 x7", w/marbled boards & end-papers, raised bands & gilt lettering of spine, including "J.W. Barriger, U.S.A., at bottom. Front eps book mark & Library Stamp-"Library/ United States Army War College-"War Dept/ April 1913/ Library". Paper library spine stamp-"UP/ 502/ A1/ 1865/4".

In addition to the official War Department orders relating to the assassination of President Lincoln, it contains, among others: Order of President Lincoln on assignments of Quotas and credits allowed for the pending call for troops (no.22); President Lincoln's proclamation on deserters (no. 35); announcement that on April 14, Gen. Anderson will raise and plant upon the ruins of Fort Sumter the same U.S. flag which floated over the bailments of that fort during the rebel assault, April 14, 1861. Other pertain to exchanges of prisoners of war; deserters; joint resolutions of Congress tendering thanks to various generals (Sheridan, Sherman, etc.).The final order is a Proclamation of President Johnson: "Revoking the Suspension of the Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus" (which had been suspended by President Lincoln, September 15, 1863).

Those orders that pertain to the assassination of the President include no. 66, Sunday, April 16, in which "the Secretary of War announces to the Armies of the United States the untimely and lamentable death of the illustrious Abraham Lincoln"; no. 67 (same day), in which "it is hereby announced to the armies of the United States, that on Saturday, the 15th of April, 1865, by reason of the death of Abraham Lincoln, the office of the President of the United States devolved upon ANDREW JOHNSON…". Ten orders bear the original ink signature of James H. Anderson, Lt. & A.O.C., Act. A.A.G. (nos. 141, 147, 149, 151-154, 159, 163-64).

In terms of condition, the book spine and covers exhibit medium wear, scuffing and rubbing. Hinges weak, front hinge cracking. Slight yellowing of text, and especially in the front index; else VG and entirely legible.

John Walker Barriger, the officer for whom the orders were bound, and whose name is embossed on the lower spine, was an 1852 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy. During the war he was brevetted to Captain for gallant & meritorious service during the Battle of Bull Run, and to Brigadier General on March 1865 for gallant & meritorious service during the war. He remained on active service, was promoted to Colonel in 1894, and retired in 1896.

A truly extraordinary cache of 1865 general orders, conveniently bound, with 1913 War College provenance. Scarce and then some!

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