Headquarters, camp of observation,
Poolesville, January 2, 1862.
:
General Orders No. 16, of September, 1861, from these headquarters, cautioned the troops of this command against violating the laws of the
United States, and of the
State in which we are serving, by advising and encouraging insubordination and rebellion among the negro servants in their neighborhood.
This caution, well observed by most of the troops, has been disregarded by a few who, while entrusted with national arms and made thus guardians of the national honor, disgrace themselves and their Government by acting the part of oppressors and incendiaries, among the very citizens they were sent here to protect from lawless violence.
The General commanding recommends to those who feel themselves above the requirements of law, a careful reading of the Thirty-third Article of War, and faithfully promises all those who, after this second caution, persist in making use of their armed presence here to outrage the laws, that when discovered they shall first be properly punished for their disobedience of orders, and then, on requisition of the civil authorities, shall be turned over to the civil courts to be dealt with as the laws of
Maryland prescribe for such offenders.
By order of
Brig.-Gen. Stone.
