War Date Orders Signed regarding the discharge of firearms!

(1836-67) Born in Washington, D.C., he was the son of Colonel John J. Abert, Chief of the Army Topographical Engineers. Commissioned 2nd lieutenant of the 4th U.S. Light Artillery, on June 18, 1855, and promoted to 1st lieutenant, on March 31, 1857. On May 14, 1861, he was commissioned captain of the 3rd U.S. Cavalry, and he was transferred to the 6th U.S. Cavalry, on August 3, 1861. He served for a time as Aide-de-Camp to General George B. McClellan, and as Inspector General on the staff of General Nathaniel P. Banks. He was promoted to brevet major, on May 27, 1862, for gallantry in the battle of Hanover Court House, Va., and brevet lieutenant colonel, on September 17, 1862, for gallantry in the battle of Antietam, Md. On November 17, 1862, he was appointed assistant inspector general. He was commissioned colonel of the 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, on November 16, 1864. He was promoted to brevet brigadier general, on March 13, 1865, for his gallant and meritorious Civil War service. Mustered out of the volunteer service on September 18, 1865. After the war, Abert served in the Regular U.S. Army, dying on active duty, on August 25, 1867, at Galveston, Texas.

War Date Document Signed: 7 3/4 x 10, in ink.

Head Quarters Rockville Expedition,
Rockville, [Md.], June 12th, 1861

General Orders
No. 3

The discharge of firearms in camp or on the march except by order or by a sentinel on post in the discharge of his duty is strictly prohibited and orders for firing will be given only as against the enemy and for the purpose of cleaning arms in case of necessity. In the latter case the order of the commanding officer of the regiment or corps will be required and that will be given only between the hours of 10 to 12 A.M.

The discharge of firearms will be considered an evidence of the presence or approach of the enemy and all guards within hearing will be immediately formed and measures taken by them to ascertain the cause of the alarm.

This order and the 49th Article of War will be read at the head of each Company of the expedition and commanders of regiments and Corps will enforce the strictest observance of both in their respective commands.

By order of Colonel Stone
Wm. S. Abert
1st Lieut., 4th Arty.
A.A. Adjt. Gen.

Light age toning. Excellent content.