Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 7.
Frank Moore, Ed.

1. Officers and soldiers of the army of the Cumberland, some grave outrages and wrongs have been perpetrated on loyal citizens and helpless women by lawless and unprincipled men wearing our uniform and calling themselves soldiers. Such violation of orders disgrace our country and cause. I appeal to you by your honor, your love of country, and the noble cause in which you serve, to denounce and bring to punishment all such offenders. Let not the slightest stain tarnish your brilliant record. Let no thief, pillager, or invader of the rights of person or property go unpunished. Remember that the truly brave and noble are always just and merciful, and that, by a strict observance of orders, you will crown your noble work and establish your claims to the respect and gratitude of our country.

2. Stragglers and marauders separated from their commands without authority, who go thieving and pillaging around the country, are not entitled to the privileges of soldiers and prisoners of war. They are to be regarded as brigands — enemies of mankind, and are to be treated accordingly.

3. Deserters, conscript agents, and prisoners of war desirous of abandoning the rebellion and becoming peaceable citizens, will be paroled as prisoners of war, and permitted to return to their homes, on giving bonds and security, or satisfactory assurance for the faithful observance of their paroles, and will not be exchanged unless they violate their promises.

4. All citizens are invited to unite in restoring law and order, and in suppressing marauders and guerrillas. All privileges and protection compatible with the interests of the service will be accorded to those who are willing and give assurance by their parole, oath, and bond, or other satisfactory voucher, that they will conduct themselves peaceably, and do no injury to the Government.

5. Those claiming allegiance to the rebellion, or who cannot or will not give satisfactory assurance that they will conduct themselves peaceably, are, on their own theory, by the law of nations, bound to leave the country. This rule will hereafter be observed in such districts as come within our control, at the discretion of the commanding officer of troops in the district.

6. Persons desiring to vote, or to exercise any other right of citizenship, will be permitted to take the oath of allegiance, unless the commanding officer has reason to suppose a fraudulent intent on the part of such person.

7. Provost-marshals are authorized to parole prisoners of war, to administer the parole to noncombatants, and oath of allegiance to citizens, in accordance to the provisions of this order, under such instructions and limitations as may be prescribed by the Provost-Marshal General, on the provost-marshals of corps or divisions, detached or acting at inconvenient distances from their corps headquarters, reporting promptly a list of the names and descriptions of all persons so paroled by them, with their bonds, if any have been given, to the Provost-Marshal General of the army, at the headquarters of the department for record.

By command of