Hillsborough Recorder
August 28, 1861
Page 3
SPOILS
OF THE BATTLEFIELD
It will be seen by
the following special order that Gen. Beauregard is determined to enforce the
return of articles taken from the field of battle:
The General Commanding
has learned with regret, that after the brilliant victory achieved through the
gallantry of the Confederate troops on the 21st ultimo, that arms,
supplies, and munitions of war, have been appropriated by the inhabitants of
the surrounding country, not attached to the army, whereby the Government
suffers material loss in its ability to prosecute the war with such vigor as
will drive the invaders from Virginia soil.
The General cannot but believe that such acts have been done through
ignorance that all such articles are the property of the Government. It is therefore ordered:
I.
That all arms, horses, wagons, harness,
munitions of war, and supplies and stores of all descriptions, so appropriated,
shall be delivered to the nearest commanding officer.
II.
That each commanding officer, upon the receipt
of such public property, shall forthwith deliver the same to the Quartermaster
at Manassas Junction.
III.
That such persons as fail to comply with this
order shall be dealt with in the most prompt and summary manner.
By command of Gen. Beauregard
THOMAS JORDAN, A. A. Gen’l.
[Transcribed
by Sharon Strout]
