26 leaves are written on, in ink, nearly all on both sides; there are a number of blank leaves. 7¼x6, leather-backed boards covered with marbled paper.
From June 7 to Sept. 27, 1861, the orders are under the name of Rufus Neely as regimental commander, with Henry Hampton his adjutant, comprising 12 leaves, all but the last written on both sides. Then there are a number of blank leaves, and orders resume on Oct. 29, 1861, under the command of Otho French Strahl, his adjutant J.W. Tate, totaling 9 leaves, all but the last written on both sides, the final order on Jan. 7, 1862. Next there are more blank leaves, then another series of orders from Strahl, backtracking to Oct. 29, comprising 4 leaves. Following the order on January 1, 1862, there is a final order under the name of Maj. J.F. Henry, regarding several promotions to captain. The next leaf is the last to be written on, and reads: “Andrew J. Keller was promoted from the captaincy of Company D to Lieut. Col. of the 4th Tenn. Reg. in May 1862 and made Colonel of the Reg. Sept. 1863.” The first order fills the first necessity, “Private H.M. Hitner, Co. A, is hereby appointed Drum Major of this regiment, with full authority over all the musicians…” The orders following are largely concerned with getting the camp in order, with a number relating to furloughs and sick leave, and abuse thereof, leading to the conclusion that the private soldiers in this early stage of the war were not yet inculcated in the doctrine of military service. General order No. 9, Aug. 8, 1861, reads “For the present no more furloughs will be granted to members of the regiment. The uncertainty which shrouds the future, and the threatening attitude of the enemy on our frontier impels the Col. Comd. to adopt this course.” There are also several courts martial recorded, as “Wm. Bennett 3d Sergt in Co.. H 4th Reg. T.V. was found guilty of drunkenness & insubordination and sentenced to the following, that he be reduced to the ranks and disqualified from holding office during the remainder of his time of service.” Also included are orders detailing officers and men for various duties, promotions, designations of procedures, etc. A vivid and fascinating look into the operations of a Confederate regiment during the first year of the Civil War.
Condition:
Well dampstained and worn, about half the marbled paper peeled off the front board, the contents mostly legible though the staining causes difficulty in places, good condition only, much used in the field. Confederate order books like this are quite rare.