1863 Civil War General Order No 20, By Ulysses S. Grant Signed Gen J. G. Wilson

  
Offered here is an original Civil War-era General Order No. 20, dated March 23, 1863, and signed by Jas. Grant Wilson, issued under the authority of General Ulysses S. This compelling wartime document provides insight into the Union Army's internal efforts to address desertion-a major threat to military cohesion during one of the most critical years of the conflict. This piece is a rare and historically significant item from the Western Theater of the Civil War.

It remains in excellent condition, with clearly legible handwriting, bold ink, and a full transcription below. By direction of the Secretary of War, the commander of. Each regiment, battery, independent battalion, and. Company in this department will immediately prepare. Duplicate lists of all deserters, now absent from their.

Commands, and send both copies to the Provost Marshal. General, War Dept, Washington D. To be sent direct, the other to be forwarded.

Through the regular military channels. Hereafter similar reports will be made on.

The first day of each month. This General Order, issued during the height of the American Civil War, mandates systematic reporting of deserters from all Union units in General Grant's department. Desertion was a widespread issue, and this order reflects the military's increasing bureaucratic structure and efforts to enforce discipline. Signed by James Grant Wilson, then serving under General Grant, this document highlights the internal mechanics of war management, as well as the reliance on trusted officers like Wilson to enact essential administrative policies. Although not signed by Grant himself, the document is issued directly under his authority and represents an important part of the command apparatus during his leadership in 1863-just months before pivotal victories at Vicksburg and Gettysburg shifted the momentum of the war.

Commanding General of the Union Army and the future 18th President of the United States. Known for his bold campaigns in the Western Theater and his siege of Vicksburg, Grant rose to command all Union forces in 1864. His leadership was decisive in defeating the Confederacy. As President, he worked to stabilize Reconstruction and protect the civil rights of freed slaves. Union officer, brevet brigadier general, and later one of the most prominent editors and historians of the 19th century.

Wilson served in the Army during the Civil War and afterward became well known for his work editing Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography and The Memorial History of the City of New York. His signature on this document represents his active role in enforcing military policy while serving under General Grant.

Strong ink contrast, fully legible handwriting, no significant tears or damage. One of the better-preserved wartime orders of this type. A Unique Civil War Collectible. Whether you're a Civil War enthusiast, a collector of military documents, or a student of American political and military leadership, this piece is a direct window into the machinery of war-and a rarely seen signature from a soldier-scholar who helped write its history.