Item No. 0576326

In this February 21, 1865, order, Medal of Honor recipient Captain George W. Hooker of Brigadier General Charles Devens’s staff signs an order forwarded from Department of Virginia headquarters, directing that in celebration of George Washington’s birthday “all labor will be suspended except the necessary police.”

George White Hooker enlisted as a private in the 4th Vermont in September 1861. He rose quickly through the ranks and by August 1862 was first lieutenant of Company E. In the summer of 1864 he was promoted captain and attached to the adjutant general’s department, serving on the staff of Brigadier General Charles Devens. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on September 14, 1862, at the Battle of South Mountain, where he “rode alone in advance of his regiment and captured a major and 116 men.”

The order was written on 2 pages of an 8” x 10” letter sheet in very good condition. Creased at the original folds. The full transcript follows:

Head Quarters 24th A.C.

By Telegraph from Head Quarters Dept Virginia
Dated February 21st 1865

To the Comd’g General
24th A.C.
Tomorrow February 22nd being the anniversary of Washington’s birthday, all labor will be suspended except the necessary police.
By Command of
Major Genl. Weitzel
(Sgd) Ed. W. Smith
A.A.G.

Head Qrs 24th Army Corps
February 21st 1865

“Official Copy”

(Sgd) Wm. H. Male
Captain & A.A.A.G.

Head Quarters 3rd Div. 24th A.C.
February 21st 1865

“Official”

Geo. W. Hooker
Capt. & A.A. Genl.