GENERAL ORDERS, j

No. 104. )

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,

Adjutant General’:! Office,

Washington, December 3, 18G1.

The attention of officers of the Array is invited to the following, in addition to the orders of the Secretary of War embraced in the regu¬ lations for the Recruiting Service :

I. -The large number of enlisted men, discharged on “Certificates of Disability,” has attracted the notice of the General-in-chief, and, as it is an especial duty to render the rank and file of the Array as effective as possible, the attention of Superintendents and other officers concerned, either with the enlistment of men, or their discharge on account of disability, is directed to the judicious discharge of their r. spective duties.

Evidence is abundant, as attested by the records of the Adjutant General’s Office, that many men have been enlisted who were “unfit for service” prior to or at date of enlistment. It should be borne in mind that the law provides for the enlistment of “ effective able- bodied” men ; and if any officer shall enlist any person contrary to the true intent and meaning of the law it is further provided that for every offence “he shall forfeit and pay the amount of the bounty and clothing which the person so recruited may have received from the public, to be deducted out of the pay and emoluments of such officer.” With this object in view, paragraphs 980 and 981, Revised Regulations, must be strictly complied with.

A sense of duty to the public, will cause an enforcement of the laws and regulations governing the service, and these must be the guidance of the officers obtaining recruits. Officers cannot be too circumspect in the discharge of their duties, and they are called upon to comply strictly with all regulations applicable to the subject.

II ..As to minors, every precaution should be taken to prevent their enlistment, except as provided by the regulations. A true record of the age is of great value. In a majority of cases the recruiting officer may be justified in recording the age as stated by the person offering to enlist ; yet many cases occur in which he should rely more upon

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liis own judgment, and lesson the recmit’s affirmation, in ascertaining his probable, if not his actual age. In every doubtful case, therefore, as to minority, or ever age, of the man, it becomes the duty of the officer to judge for himself, to a certain extent, and not in any case to accept a recruit who, under anxiety to enlist, manifestly misstates his age.

III. .It will be observed the regulations, at this time, contain no direct prohibition to enlist married men. In the regimental service this must be governed by the want of laundresses for companies ; and in the general service by the Superintendents.

IV. .It is enjoined on all Superintendents and other officers, com¬ missioned and non-commissioned, to conduct the service with diligence, unceasing personal attention, and economy.

By command of Major Ginkral McClellan :

L. THOMAS,

Adjutant General.

Official :

Assistant Adjutant General.