page 1051

No. 426

Confederate Roll of Honor

August 17, 1863

Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON,
    Secretary of War, Richmond, Va:

SIR: After the battles of Chancellorsville, elections were held in the companies of many of the brigades of this army, in accordance with General Orders, No. 93, Adjutant and Inspector General's Office, section No. 27, of the series of 1862, of the privates and non-commissioned officiers to be recommended for the badge of distinction to be conferred by law. These names were duly forwarded to the Department, but <page 1052 N.VA., W.VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XXXVII> nothing has yet been heard from them. This, I am sorry to say, has given rise to some feeling among the men, who think they are neglected in this matter. I know there will be some difficulty about procuring the necessary badges, but might not their names be published at once, and the badges sent as soon as they can be procured!
    I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R.E. LEE,
    General.

[Indorsement.]

Major [WILLIAM S.] BARTON:

I wish you would charge yourself with the early execution of this law about badges. Such badges, I should think, might be readily obtained. If not, the names should at least be published, with some complimentary order. This had better be done, even if badges are to be had in a few weeks.

J.A.S.[SEDDON],
Secretary.

GENERAL ORDERS,} ADJT. AND INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE,
        No. 131.                                                            Richmond, Va., October 3, 1863.

Difficulties in procuring the medals and badges of distinction having delayed their presentation by the President, as authorized by the act of Congress approved October 13, 1862, to the officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates of the armies of the Confederate States conspicuous for courage and good conduct on the field of battle, to avoid postponing the grateful recognition of their valor until it can be made in the enduring form provided by that act, it is ordered--
    I. That the names of all those who have been, or may hereafter be, reported as worthy of this distinvtion, be inscribed on a roll of honor, to be preserbed in the office of the Adjutant and Inspector General for reference in all future time, for those who have deserved well of their country, as having best displayed their courage and devotion on the field of battle.
    II. That the Roll of Honor, so far as now made up, be appended to this order, and read at the head of every regiment in the service of the Confederate States at the first dress parade after its receipt, and be published in at least one newspaper in each State.
    III. The attention of the officers in charge is directed to General Orders, No. 93, Section No. 27, of the series of 1862, Adjutant and Inspector General's Office, [following] for the mode of selecting the non-commissioned officers and privates entitled to this distinction, and its execution is enjoined.

GENERAL ORDERS,} ADJT. AND INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE,
        No. 93.                                                            Richmond, Va., November 22, 1862.

I. The following acts of Congress, having been approved by the President, are published for the information of the Army:

GENERAL ORDERS,} ADJT. AND INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE,
        No. 64.                                                            Richmond, Va., August 10, 1864.

I. The following Roll of Hoonor is published in accordance with Paragraph I, General Orders, No. 131, 1863.
    It will be read to every regiment in the service at the first dress parade after its receipt.