Dated New Orleans, May 31, 1862. One page, 5’ x 8. Exhibits small, light smudge near lower margin. Else VG plus. Text:

Six rebel enlisted men—Abraham McLane, Daniel Doyle, Edward C. Smith, Patrick Kane, George L. Williams and William Stanley…..”all enlisted men in the forces of the supposed Confederate States, captured at the surrender of the Forts St. Philip and Jackson, have violated their parole of honor, under which they, as prisoners of war, were permitted to return to their homes, instead of being confined in prison, as have the unfortunates of the Unite States soldiers who, falling into the hands of rebel chiefs, have languished for month in durance vile.

Warned by their officers that they must not do this thing, the deliberately organized themselves in military array, chose themselves and comrades officers, relying as they averred, upon promises of prominent citizens of New Orleans for a supply of arms and equipment. They named themselves the Monroe Life Guard, in honor of the late mayor of New Orleans.

They conspired together, and arranged the manner in which they might force the pickets of the united States, and thus join the enemy at Corinth.

Tried before an impartial military tribunal—fully heard in their defense—these facts appeared beyond doubt or contradiction, and they were convicted.

There is no known pledge more sacred—there is no military offense whose punishment is better defined or more deserved. To their crime but one punishment has ever been assigned by any nation—DEATH.

This sentence has been approved by the commanding general…..It is ordered that (the six men) be shot to death, under the direction of the Provost marshal, immediately after reveille, on Wednesday, the fourth of June next; and, for so doing, this shall be the Provost marshal’s sufficient warrant / Major-General Butler. In protective sleeve.  [jp][ph:L]

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