7 3/4 x 10, imprinted form, with vignette of the Missouri State Seal, filled out in ink.

Head Quarters, State of Missouri,
Adjutant General's Office,
St. Louis, September 29th, 1864

E.[nrolled] M.[issouri] M.[ilitia]

Special Orders,
No. 171

IV. F. Wilhelmi having been appointed a Lieut. Colonel in the Enrolled Militia of the State, you are hereby directed to report to Col. D.Q. Gale, commanding 54th Regiment for orders.

Official

W.M. Cord, A.A.G.

By order of the Commander in Chief:
Signed John B. Gray
Adjutant General

[to] Lieut. Col. F. Wilhelmi

Light staining, age toning and wear. Scarce war date Missouri document.

Francis Wilhelmi, also had service as captain and major in the 17th Missouri Infantry, known as the Western Turner Rifle Regiment, during the Civil War.