G. S. Hillard, Life and Campaigns of George B. McClellan, Major-General , U. S. Army

[96] against loyal, citizens engaged in the defence of the common government of all. Individuals and marauding parties are pursuing a guerrilla warfare,--firing upon sentinels and pickets, burning bridges, insulting, injuring, and even killing citizens because of their Union sentiments, and committing many kindred acts.

I do now, therefore, make proclamation, and warn all persons, that individuals or parties engaged in this species of warfare,--irregular in every view which can be taken of it,--thus attacking sentinels, pickets, or other soldiers, destroying public or private property, or committing injuries against any of the inhabitants because of Union sentiments or conduct, will be dealt with, in their persons and property, according to the severest rules of military law.

All persons giving information or aid to the public enemies will be arrested and kept in close custody; and all persons found bearing arms, unless of known loyalty, will be arrested and held for examination.

Geo. B. McClellan, Major-General U. S. A. Commanding.

Headquarters Department of the Ohio, Grafton, Va., June 25, 1861.
To the Soldiers of the Army of the West.

You are here to support the Government of your country, and to protect the lives and liberties of your brethren, threatened by a rebellious and traitorous foe. No higher and nobler duty could devolve upon you; and I expect you to bring to its performance the highest and noblest qualities of soldiers,--discipline, courage, and mercy. I call upon the officers of every grade to enforce the strictest discipline; and I know that those of all grades, privates and officers, will display in battle cool heroic courage, and will know how to show mercy to a disarmed enemy.